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Historical and 
Genealogical Record 

Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

New York 







Press of 

The A. V. Haight Co. 

Poughkeepsie, N. Y. 

1912 



I 




r 



PREFACE 

In presenting this volume to its patrons, the publish- 
ers are quite confident it will be apparent from its pages 
that every reasonable effort has been made by them to 
make it complete in its several departments. The data 
have been secured from the best known authorities, and 
the various chapters, when completed, have been sub- 
jected to the most searching examination for verifica- 
tion and correction. 

The history of the counties of Dutchess and Putnam 
cannot be studied too often; for it is of the greatest 
interest, and the record revealed is a proud one. Few 
counties in New York State were as closely identified 
with those crucial events connected with the formative 
period of the Republic as the county of Dutchess as 
originally constituted. 

The preparation of genealogies and biographies was, 
for the most part, in the hands of our subscribers, and 
it is confidently believed that this department of the 
work will be considered of great value. 

Oxford Publishing Company. 
Poughkeepsie, N. Y., December, 1912. 






INDEX 

Part I 

Acts, Colonial and State, 1. «, 49, 95, ^"^^^ M1 

' . 9, 105 

Adoption of State Constitution . . 175 

Agricultural Association . ! 200 

Aikins Corners . . 41, 42 

Akin, Albert John # . 22 

Amenia Seminary 21-22, 39 

Amenia, town of 18-20 

American Bill of Rights . ' . 159 

Anderson, Peter ' ' 132> 134j 2 26 

Andre, Major . . 280 

Arden, Richard D | 280 

Arden, Thomas | 281 

Arden, Col. Thomas B g 74| 

Armstrong, Gen. John .... ^ ^ J^ ^ 27y 

Arnold, Benedict .111-113 

Assembly, Members of .... ' 68, 69, 160, 167,274 

Astor, John Jacob 19 ^ 192 

Bailey, Dr. Joseph H 

Banks: # 256 

Brewster ^74 

Carmel 27 

Dover Plains ' * " 31 

Fishkill !88 

Kent 32 

Matteawan 61 

Millbrook 4 

Millerton 42 

Pawling 43 

Pine Plains 54j 

Rhinebeck ^ 276 

Bard, Dr. John ' '22' 71* 267, 268! 270 

Beekman, Col. Henry ■■>"»" ' ^^ 

Beekman Gore 22-24,36,55,99,189 

Feekman town of • 131> 132, 133, 134, 279 

Beverly House 272 

"BUt>pwood" 

v 



/ 



Index to Historical Record 
Borden's Condensed Milk Co. 

Boundaries 257 

Boyd's Corners ' MS, 69, 71, 106, 10£ 

Boyd's Reservoir .' 186,188,189,245 

Brett, Catharine (Madam Brett)' L. 1 187 ' 191 

Brett, Roger . ' 28,30,31,27* 

Brewster-See S <>idhcast, and pages a 30 ' m 

Brewsters, the . • J 254-25 J 



• • . 254,25; 

• • 74,223,241 

• • . 166-16' 
3,63,122, 123, 15( 

• ... 156 

• • • 175-18. 
... 16 

163-164.. 168, 16 

• • . 156,16. 



Canopus Hollow 
Canopus Island 
Carmel, town of 

boundaries 

churches . 

division into farms 

hotels at Lake Mahopac 

lakes 

mills 

settlement, early . . .' .158,159,16^ 

Carmel, village of . 156-16 

Carver, Judge Barnabas and Timothy 
Carver, James ... 
Chapman, Ferris 
Chelsea . 

Amenia 
Carmel 
Dover . 
Fishkill . 
Kent . 
Milan . 
Patterson . 
PhiJipstown . 
Pleasant Valley 
Putnam Valley 
Rhinebeck 
Stanford 



. . U 
68, 69, It 

. . 2! 
. . t 



■ ■ .21,22 
175-183, 190 

• . . 27 

• . . 33 

• • 189-192 

• • . 38 
. . 207-210 

• • . 44 
■ . . 247 

• . 53 
. . 55 



Beekman . 
Clinton 
East Fishkill 
Hyde Park 
La Grange . 
Northeast . 
Pawling 



... 24 

. . 25. 
. . 28 
. 34,35, 
. . 36. 
• . . 



• • • 228-232,234,237,2 

Poughkeepsie . . . 51 

Red Hook 

Southeast . . 252,260,;. 

Union Vale 



Washington . 

Civil List, Putnam County 

Civil War— See Militia. 1101 

Clinton, Gov. George 

Clinton, Sir Henry .' • . . . 8,11,13,15,17,24,1 

Clinton House . 12, i 

Clinton, town of IS, 

Clove Spring Trout Co. ' 24-26 - 

Clove Valley Rod and Gun Club* 

Cold Spring-S^ Philipstown. and - 



pages 



2jz- 



VI 



• •„', ' " ' ' ... 131,132,133,13 

.son, <^ol c^i 



1 Mansion 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

„ , * . 2,3,24,33-3\ 

;Pa i; t0Wn0f ! ; 30, 53, 64, 73-79, 8f 

, nS ' The . 125,166,107,196,24. 

: tdS * ' ' ' 3,4,5,10! 

133, 13 
. 21t 
235 23! 

tiZSST'. : : : : : m««:««.-fs 

, Chancellor James 

Cliffs— See Boyd's Corners. ^ ^ 184,195 

• Town of ' ' 184 ' )18 < 

.oundanes ' 18 9_igc 

churches ' 185 ^ 18t 

arly settlers ise,' 187. lSSJ 18t 

. " . * . * 1 * ' ' ' . . 184, 185, 18-5 

mines and minerals 

„ . , j . • yy, *uc 

Capt. Alexander ^ 

,ton, destruction of ■ ' ^ ^ 

Uendrick and Jacobus „„„ 



'.eekman-Livingston House 



267 

176, 177 
oe, Rev. Ebenezer ^ yj m 

yette, General ■ 3 ' 223 6_ 37>55 

ange,towno • 146 u7> 148> 175 

Mahopac, village of 

Lake and ponds: 15 g 

ilead . \ " 156, 172 

rleneida 4 n 

rreen Mountain 40 

[ammersley 205 

[inckleyPond " ^ \ sl 

•irk 156,160 

; ong Pond '. 156 to 169 

[ahopac 4Q 

'orton | 237,245 

. scawana 

vlvan 

hompson Pond 

onetta 

pton 

r haley Pond 

/hitePond • 

id patents ' 

nee, John 

iture, Colonial . . . • • 

iture in session at Poughkeepsie, ■ 



Index to Historical Record 

Lewis, Gen. Morgan 35, 268, 271, 27/ 

Libraries 32,41,43,51,54,61,17; 

"Linwood" 

Livingston Family . 4, 6, 15, 36, 45, 71, 76, 135, 217, 268, 27' 

Livingston mansion 278 

"Locusts The" 

Loudon, Samuel 

Low Point 

Ludington, Col. Henry 134, 135, 131 

Ludingtonville 135, 146, 18 

Mahopac Land Co 

Mahopac Manufacturing Co 159 

Matteawan, village of 

ivii' i, town of 3,37-38, I 

Militia: 

Civil War 13 

Local Companies 120, 121, 12 

Regiments 127,151,152,15. 

Regimental District 

Revolution 8-20, 33, 50, 124-13 

Millhrook ' 60, 

Millerton 

Mills, 23, 24, 30, 31, 32, 38, 45, 53, 55, 58, 59, 60, 158, 159, 160, 18( 

188, 189, 198, 199, 202, 206, 215, 243, 24 • 

Mills, Mrs. Ogden 3 

Milltown 21 

Mines and minerals 23, 24, 27, 57, 64, 184, 185, 187, 202, 206 ,21' 

246, 247, 250, 25 

Montgomery, Gen. Richard 

Morehouse tavern 

Morris, Gen. George P 

Morris, Roger 66, 68, 70, 81, 158, 159, 161, 186, 201, 215, 216, 224. •? 

Morris, Mrs. Roger — See Mary Philipse. 

Morrison, Malcolm 18 

^ Hon. Levi P. 

dian" 

nd hills . . . 24,26,39,40,42,64,107,156,21 

%. 5 

33,40,61,174,2: 



2,9, 13, ( 106 

\o •! 

...... 77, 78.. 79,1 




Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

an 27« 

Eombout, Francs • • • ■ • • ■ • 

Rombout Orore 

Roosevelt, Mrs. James 35 

Roosevelt, John A • • • • . • '^^ 

Lowes the 269,271,272 

Ruppert, Jacoo » 

Rutsen, Jacob 

Ryder's Mills *** 

Ry«* ok, Rev. Isaac • ° 

St. Stephen's College *°'*™ 

Stckett, Richard ~* 

Senders, Robert 

Sands, Austin L 

t^'.*"™**: : : : : k«. *«.!«:««•«.« 

n u • t„~ .... 64, 66, 74 
beabnng, Jan 110 

Settlers, early 5-8; SQ-94; and see towns 

Shaw, Affidavit of Timothy Shaw ....... 8i ;~»J^ 

-,,•/• 115-110 

sheriffs fi . 

Sloughter, Gov 

Smalleylnn "* 

Smeedes, Jan "' ' ',. „ 

Smith. Melancton . lo > " 

Society of the Cincinnati ov,*io 

Southeast, town of 63,106,107,248-266 

boundaries . • 

Brewster, village of • • ; «£*£ 

churches 266 

iron mines 

newspapers 

ii zoo 

echools • • 248-252 

settlement, early 248*249 250 251 

■£ r s ent : : : ~i 

villages 

Southeast Center 248,252,255 

Sovryn, the baker 

c peucer's Corners dy "^* 

Staatsburg «'ra1jsk an 

Stanford, town of : • • • -3,54-55,60 

^tate Government removed to Poughkeepsie 13 

• herling & Co., Elisha 

Stoutenburghs, the 

'u^or 3 ,'eariy '. '. '. '. '. '• '• ! 99, 100, io*] 105, H9-150 
Surrogates 

XIII 



Index to Historical Record 

Talmadge, Benjamin 133, 134 

Tax list of Philipse Patent, 1777 . 84-94 

Teller House 279 

Tillotson, Dr. Thomas 268, 269, 270, 271 

Tompkins' Corners 244, 246, 247 

Towner family 205, 206, 207 

Towner's Station 148,205 

Tryon, Gen. William 129, 136, 229 

"Undercliff" 2/9 

Union Vale, town of 3, 22, 36, 55-57 

Vanderbilt, F. W 35, 276 

Vanderburgh, Dr. Federal 270, 271, 272 

Vanderburgh, Col. James 23, i72 

Van Kleeck House S77 

Vassar College dl 

Verplanck, Gulian 30,278 

Wappinger, town of 3, 58, 6i) 

Wappinger Indians 73-79 

Wars: 

Civil, in Putnam County 139-15.'» 

Revolutionary 8-20, 124-lStt 

Also see Militia. 

Washington, George 8-11, 41, 129, 1355 

Washington, town of 3, 28. 60-65! 

Weeks, Dr. Robert 107, IK 

West Point Foundry 232,235,23^ 

Wharton House 8 

Willis, Samuel 71 

Winslow, John Flack 27'' 

"Wood Cliff" 27T 

Yates, Robert li' 

Zabriskie, Capt. Andrew C 27? 



XIV 



INDEX 

Part II and Illustrations 

aids. Emerson W 116,432 

^tWOOd, John W., M.D 80,387 

I taaeau, Joseph N 64, 315 

'loioh, George W 200,309 

■riackerhoff, Joris D 283 

. mckway, Edwin 48,405 

Urown, William 150,441 

•udd Family 98,102,380 

lev eland Family 36, 140, 287 

< rouse, William 324, 412 

avies, Ernest 400 

can, J. L 445 

Kterich, Charles F 284 

>iehl, Philip 412 

.mere Family 24,32,288,289,296 

■ughty Family 208,436,439 

ws, Tracy 268 

vning, Dr. M 104,386 

•yee, A. R 418 

vorth, Edward 72,382 

erson, Thomas 306, 388 

>, JohnS 184,430 

rington, Walter 94,413 

nngton, William R 126,320 

h Family 4l9 

wter, Theodore, M.D 144,339 

dra, David 216 

eene, Joseph A fl- 
ight Family 452 

mbley, Hugh 44 8 

sbrouck, Frank 341 

rrick, Timothy . 166,310 

•oy, Smith • 44 3 

yt Family 393 

ntington Family 298 

pfel, A. G 318 

itis Family 336 

XV 



Index to Part II and Illustrations 

Jaycox, L. W 

Kittridge, Charles M., M.D 12( 

Lawson, Peter B 

Livingston, Maturin 

LeFevre, Captain P. E 

Madison, George 

Maher, Richard F 312 

Mowatt, Augustus W 180, 

Murphy, Prof. John G 254 

Myers, J. Harry 192 

Nesbitt, F. J H2 

O'Connor, John Jr 

Osborne, James B 

Parks, Arthur A 176, 

Rider, John P 20, 

Rockwell, Arthur V 134. 

Rogers Family 158,162,335, 

Roosa, Hyman B 

Roosevelt, James 56, 

Ryder Family 344, 

Sands, Austin L 278. 

Schrowang, Henry H 370, 1 

Secor, Seth 168,. 

Schrauth Family 212. 

Sencerbaugh Family 190, 3 

Smith, George C 40, { 

Smith, James K 

Stannard, Edward D 

Talbot, B. M 128, 

Tobey, A. G 76, 

Traver, W. J 238, 

Tuthill, Robert K., M.D 8, 

Van Dyne Family 23*5, *44, 

Watson, Austin H 228, . 

Warwick, William C 224, 

Whitson, John B 224, 

Whitney, E. S 4 

Wheeler, Frank W 370, - 

Wilbur, Daniel W P>8,: 

Wiltse, Charles B 

Winslow, John F 16,276,.' 

Wixom, John O 

Wood, William 

Yale, John R 

Young, John, M.D 

Zabriskie, Andrew C 274, 

XVI 



CHAPTER I 

DUTCHESS THE PARENT COUNTY 

ORGANIZATION 

DUTCHESS was one of the earliest counties of the 
State, dating back to 1683, when it was organ- 
ized by a colony law. Its boundaries were thus 
defined: "to be from the bounds of the County of West- 
chester on the South Side of the Highlands along the 
east side of Hudson's River as far as Roelof Jansens 
Creeke and eastward into the woods twenty miles. " This 
territory included the present county of Putnam and the 
towns of Clermont and Germantown in Columbia county. 
The latter were a part of Livingston's Manor and were 
annexed to Albany county May 27, 1717. Putnam was 
constituted a separate county June 12, 1812. 

Although thus organized in 1683, it was only a county 
name, with boundaries upon paper; supposed to be 
uninhabited by white men; and, October 18, 1701, 
"having very few inhabitants," was provisionally annex- 
ed to Ulster county, where its freeholders were entitled 
to vote. It retained that connection until October 23, 
1713, when having increased in population, a provincial 
act empowered the Justices of the Peace to issue warrants 
for an election to be held "at any time before the first 
\ Tuesday in September next (1714), to make choice of 
one Free-holder to be supervisor, one Treasurer, two 
assessors and two Collectors," for each ward. 
Colonial Act of June 24, 1719 legalized the division 
+ he county into the Southern, Middle and Northern 



Historical Record 

Wards and defined their boundaries. The South Ward 
extended from the southern border of the county below 
the Highlands north to Wappinger Creek; the Middle 
Ward thence to Cline Sopus Island (Esopus Island 
opposite the central portion of the town of Hyde Park) 
and the North Ward thence to Roeloff Jansens Kill. 
Although no eastern bounds are stated, these wards 
probably extended to the Connecticut line. 

In 1737 Dutchess county was divided into seven 
Precincts, designated Beekman, Crom Elbow, North, 
Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck, Rombout and South, with 
municipal regulations similar to those of towns. Beek- 
man's covered a tract nearly corresponding with the 
boundaries of that patent. Crom Elbow covered a 
portion of the Great Nine Partners grant and continued 
its existence until 1762, when it was divided into the 
precincts of Charlotte and Amenia. North comprised 
the Little Nine Partners tract, and in 1746 was desig- 
nated North East after its extension across the Oblong. 
Poughkeepsie corresponded with the present town of that 
name. Rhinebeck included the towns of Red Hook, 
Rhinebeck and the northern half of Hyde Park. Rom- 
bout comprised the territory of the Rombout patent ; and 
South extended below the Highlands to the southern 
border of the county. 

A reorganization of South in 1772, created the pre- 
cincts of Philipse, Frederickstown and South East 
within the present limits of Putnam County. 

A general organization act was passed March 7, 1788, 
dividing the State into fourteen counties, which were 
subdivided into townships instead of precincts. Dutchess 
then comprised the following towns: Amenia, BeekmanJ 
Clinton (formed March 13, 1786, from portions of 

2 



Dutchess County 

Charlotte and Rhinebeck Precincts), Fishkill, North East, 
Pawling, Poughkeepsie, Rhinebeck and Washington. 
The towns of Kent, Philipstown and South East, now in 
Putnam county, were also erected by this act. Towns 
were formed by the Legislature until 1849, when power 
was given to the several Boards of Supervisors (except 
in New York county) to divide or erect new towns when 
such division does not place parts of the same town in 
more than one assembly district. Towns erected sub- 
sequent to the general organization act are: Stanford, 
March 12, 1793; Carmel and Patterson (now in Putnam), 
March 17, 1795; Dover, February 20, 1807; Red Hook, 
June 2, 1812; Milan, March 10, 1818; Hyde Park, 
January 20, 1821; Pleasant Valley, January 26, 1821; 
La Grange (formerly Freedom), February 9, 1821; 
Pine Plains, March 26, 1823; Union Vale, March 1, 
1827; East Fishkill, November 29, 1849; Wappinger, 

May 20, 1875. 

The constriction of a county house and prison in 
Dutchess county was authorized by an act of the 
General Assembly passed July 21, 1715. It directed the 
freeholders to elect two of their number to supervise 
its erection at such "place as to them shall be meet and 
convenient, for the most ease and benefit of the Inhab- 
itants of the said County." It further directed that a 
tax be levied on the county not to exceed "the Sum of 
Two hundred and fifty Ounces of good Mexico Pillar 
/or Sevill Plate," to defray the expense; and that the 
building be constructed "within two years after the 
publication thereof." Apparently no action was taken 
by the freeholders at that time, and a second act passed 
May 27, 1717, directed the construction and completion 
of the building within three years "at or near the most 

3 



Historical Record 

convenient place at Poughkeepsie." Pursuant to the 
latter act the freeholders met at Poughkeepsie, June 22, 
1717, near the house of Leonard Lewis, and chose "by 
"plurallety of Voyses Capt. Bareendt Van Kleeck & 
"Mr. Jacobes Van Den Bogert Tow Be the Supervisors 
"and Direcktors for building & finisching the County 
"house and presin att pochkeepsen." Subsequent rec- 
ords indicate that the first court house and jail were 
completed within the required time, and not in 1745 as 
stated in French's State Gazeteer. Taxes were collected 
in 1718 and 1720 towards payment of the cost of this 
building, and the report of County proceedings in 1722 
state that meetings were held in the court house. Col- 
onial act passed December 17, 1743 authorized "the 
Justices of the Peace in Dutchess County to build a 
Court House & Goal or to enlarge and Repair the old 
one." This building was erected in 1746; the assess- 
ment of $18,000 being distributed among the various 
precincts according to their population and valuation. 
The precinct of Rhinebeck and Rombout paid one-half 
of this assessment. The money was received and dis- 
bursed by Mr. Henry Livingston, chief of the Board of 
Commissioners, appointed to supervise its construction. 
It was in this structure that the Legislature frequently 
held sessions during the Revolution. Early in 1785 
the building was destroyed by fire, and April 4th the 
sheriff was directed to transfer his prisoners to the Ulster 
county jail. April 11, 1785, the sum of 1,500 pounds 
was appropriated for its reconstruction, and in 1786 anc 1 
1787 a further tax amounting to 3,300 pounds was levied. 
In 1788 the Legislature resumed its session in the new- 
court house. This building was also doomed to destruc- 
tion by fire, which originated in one of the lower apart - 

4 



Dutchess County 

ments of the jail, the night of September 25, 1806. 
Despite these fires, it is noteworthy that the public 
documents were saved. Preparations for rebuilding 
were soon begun, and by act of March 24, 1809, $12,000 
was set aside for that purpose; this sum was supple- 
mented in 1810 by an additional $13,000. The building 
was erected on the same site, although many favored 
building in a new location. The court house and jail 
was succeeded in 1902 by the construction of the present 
commodious building, which the growth of the county 
necessitated. 

PIONEER SETTLERS 

Following the division of the Province of New York 
into counties in 1683 all the lands in Dutchess county 
were taken up in large tracts, less than a dozen in num- 
ber, by men of influence or capital who undertook "to 
settle, build up and cultivate the new country" and let 
liiem wholly or in part for a term of years, at a nominal 
rent, or merely for the payment of taxes. 

Francis Rombout and Gulian Verplanck took the 
'initial step in securing the immense tract embraced in the 
Rombout Patent, granted October 17, 1685. This was 
followed by the patent granted to Robert Sanders and 
Myndert Harmense, October 24, 1686. Schuyler's Pat- 
ent, in two tracts, one near Red Hook and one south of 
Pc ughkeepsie, June 2, 1688. On the same date a patent 
w s granted to Artsen and Co. for a small tract. The 
N le Partners' Patent (Great or Lower), May 27, 1697. 
R inebeck and Beekman Patents, June 25, 1703. Little 
o - 7oper Nine Partners' Patent, April 10, 1706. The 
O ( ( ig Patent, covering a narrow strip along the east 
b inters of Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties, 

5 



Historical Record 

was ceded to the State of New York by Connecticut, 
May 14, 1731. These patents, with the exception of the 
Oblong, were granted under Colonial Governors, Dongan, 
Fletcher and Cornbury. Philipse Patent was granted 
to Adolph Philipse, by Governor Fletcher, June 17, 1697. 

Nicholas Emigh is credited with being the first settler. 
He came to America with Robert Livingston in 1683, and 
in 1685 located with his wife at Fishkill, subsequently 
buying lands in the Clove district from the Rombout 
patentees. While living at Fishkill, they became the 
parents of a daughter, the first white child born in the 
county. She received the name of Katrina, and at 
maturity married a young Hollander named Peter Lasink, 
who located in the county previous to 1700. The young 
couple settled in the town of East Fishkill where four 
sons and four daughters were born to them. 

The settlements in Poughkeepsie and Rhinebeck were 
nearly, if not quite, contemporaneous with those in Fish- 
kill. In the grant of 1686 to Sanders and Harm* 
reference is made to the land of "Sovryn, alias called 
Baker," but there is no evidence that he settled here, l 
is the name on record as a patentee. The names of J, 
Smeedes, Peter Lansing and Gerret Lansing are quot* 
in early documents pertaining to land in the vicinity c 
Poughkeepsie, and apparently they had begun a se :1< 
ment previous to 1690. The Kips were the first to built 
and settle in what is now the town of Rhinebeck. Or t)|ie 
east side of the stone house built on Hendrick Kip's scuVh 
lot were inscribed the figures " 1700." 

Inasmuch as Dutchess county was for some \* ) rs 
provisionally attached to Ulster on account o e 
paucity of its inhabitants, a detached census wa; r «t 

6 



Dutchess County 

made until 1714. The total number of souls was four 
hundred and forty-five, of whom twenty-nine were slaves. 

In the original tax roll of 1718 the total assessed 
valuation of property in the county was 1,300 pounds, 
divided among one hundred and twenty-nine tax payers. 
The County tax list of December, 1722, contains one 
hundred and eighty-three names with a total assessment 
of 2,243 pounds. A year later the population of the 
county was 1,083. For many years the progress of 
settlement was slow, and up to 1731 Dutchess was the 
least populous county in the Province, its inhabitants 
then numbering only seventeen hundred and twenty- 
seven. In 1740 the list of freeholders numbered two 
hundred and thirty-five. 

From 1749 to 1756 the county increased rapidly in 
population, exceeding, in the latter year, that of any 
other county in the Province, except Albany, as shown 
by the following table: 

New York 10,768 Westchester 11,919 

Albany 14,805 Kings 1,862 

Ulster 6,605 Queens 8,617 

Dutchess 13,289 Suffolk 9,245 

Orange 4,446 Richmond 1,667 

The above figures do not include the slaves in the State, 
who numbered 13,742, of which Dutchess had 859. 

It is interesting to note a description of the county 
in 1756, which then included Putnam, by Judge William 
Smith, the New York historian. 

"The south part of the county is mountainous and 
"fit only for iron works, but the rest contains a great 
"quantity of good upland well watered. The only vil- 
lages in it are Poughkeepsie and the Fish Kill, though 
they scarce deserve the name. The inhabitants on the 

7 



Historical Record 

"banks of the river are Dutch, but those more easterly, 
"Englishmen, and, for the most part, emigrants from 
"Connecticut and Long Island. There is no episcopal 
"church in it. The growth of this county has been very 
"sudden, and commenced but a few years ago. Within 
"the memory of persons now living, it did not contain 
"above twelve families; and, according to the late 
"returns of the militia, it will furnish at present, above 
"two thousand five hundred fighting men." 

A summary of the population by towns according to the 
first Federal census, taken in 1790, and published in 1908 
by the U. S. Census Bureau, places the total number of 
inhabitants in tlje county at 45,266. 

HISTORIC EVENTS 

During the Revolutionary period Dutchess county 
became of paramount importance. In population and 
taxable wealth it exceeded other counties of the State. 
It furnished large numbers of troops and a very large 
proportion of army provisions. 

Early in the spring of 1776 materials arrived at 
Poughkeepsie for the construction of the frigates Con- 
gress and Montgomery for the Continental navy. They 
were staunch vessels of good model, the former of twenty- 
eight, and the latter of twenty-four guns. The fate of 
these frigates is contained in a letter dated October 9, 
1777, from Gov. Clinton to Gen. Washington, which 
reads: 

"I have to add that by some fatality the two Conti- 
nental frigates were lost, they having been ordered 
"down by General Putnam to the defence of the chain; 
"but being badly manned, they could not be got off in 
"time, though I ordered the ship Congress to proceed to 

8 



Dutchess County 

"Fort Constitution (opposite West Point) the day before 
"the attack, lest she should meet with a disaster; and the 
"ship Montgomery, which lay near the chain, having 
"neither anchor nor cables to secure her, it being the ebb 
"of tide and the wind failing, fell down so near the chain, 
"that Captain Hodge was constrained to set her on fire 
"to prevent her from falling into the hands of the enemy. 
"The Congress, unfortunately getting aground on the flat 
"near Fort Constitution, shared the same fate." 

Fire rafts were also built at Poughkeepsie, fourteen of 
which were launched in July, 1776. 

Immediately following the adoption of the State 
Constitution at Kingston, April 20, 1777, one of the 
secretaries was directed to proceed to Fishkill and have 
printed 500 copies of the Constitution with the preamble, 
and 2,500 copies without. The document was printed 
by Samuel Loudon, a whig printer of New York, who set 
up his press in Fishkill when Washington's army evac- 
uated the city. 

Fishkill, from its secure position at the head of the 
Highlands, was selected at an early period of the war, as 
the natural depot of supplies for this section, being on a 
direct route of communication with the New England 
States. Large quantities of stores from Dutchess and 
adjacent counties, as well as from the eastern States, 
were there accumulated for the use of the Continental 
army. A sergeant and fourteen men from each regiment 
within the county were detailed to erect barracks there. 
They were located on the level plateau southeast of Fish- 
kill village. Frequently large bodies of troops were 
stationed there. The officers' quarters were at the 
'Wharton House," made memorable by its association 
with the hero of Cooper's story of "The Spy." These 

9 






Historical Record 

barracks became the retreat for wounded and naked 
soldiers. After the Battle of White Plains, the wounded 
were conveyed to Fishkill where, in addition to the 
barracks hospitals, the churches were used for that pur- 
pose. Of the many who died, it is asserted, their bodies 
were piled up as high as cord wood in places between the 
Dutch and Episcopal churches. Near the base of the 
mountain a short distance south of the village is the 
soldiers' burial ground, where moulder the remains of 
hundreds of patriots, whose devotion and blood helped to 
secure for us the inestimable boon of liberty. Small- 
pox which broke out in the camp added the bodies of 
many more. The sufferings and privations of those 
heroic men, who, wrote Washington, ate at one time 
every kind of horse food but hay, and whose clothing was 
patched until nearly every substance of originality was 
lost, is further emphasized by the Marquis de Chastellux, 
who remarks that they "were not even covered with 
rags." Gen. Washington made his headquarters in Fish- 
kill village for brief periods, stopping at the house of 
Colonel John Brinckerhoff. 

The town of Pawling is also made memorable by its 
revolutionary associations. In the fall of 1778 a portion 
of the Continental army was cantoned within its borders 
on the slopes of Purgatory Hill. Washington spent 
several weeks with these troops. On his arrival, Sep- 
tember 19th, he was entertained for six days at the house 
of Reed Ferris, about two miles southeast of the present 
village of Pawling. He then moved a few miles south- 
west to the place designated as his Headquarters on his 
maps by Erskine. His letters written during his resi- 
dence here are all dated from "Fredericksburgh," the 
name at that time of the western and older part of the 

10 



Dutchess County 

town of Patterson. Washington's general officers were 
quartered in the homes of various residents of the neigh- 
borhood. The Oblong Meeting House, the largest 
available building, was appropriated by the army officers 
for a hospital, and so utilized for about four months. 
The only official record, says Mr. Lewis S. Patrick in 
"Washington Headquarters at Fredericksburg," is that 
of Washington's order of October 20th, "No more sick 
"to be sent to the Hospital at Quaker Hill, without first 
"inquiring of the Chief Surgeon there whether they can 
"be received, as it is already full." The Quakers were 
not in sympathy with their meeting house being used for 
a hospital and literally "froze out" the doctors and sol- 
diers by leaving them alone in the bitter winter and let- 
ting them starve. Dr. James Fallon, physician-in-chief 
of the sick who were left on Quaker Hill after the depart- 
ure of the Continental army, wrote Gov. Clinton that he 
could hire no one to draw wood to the hospital; that he 
could buy no milk without paying in Continental money, 
six for one, and denounced most of the residents as 
Tories. Many of the soldiers who lay sick are said to 
have died, but Dr. Fallon's letter to Gov. Clinton fur- 
nishes the only account known to exist: "Out of the 100 
sick, Providence took but three of my people off since 
my arrival." 

The Ferris House in Pawling is further made notable 
by the trial there October 1, 1778, of Gen. Philip Schuy- 
ler, by courtmartial, on the general charge of neglect of 
duty while in command of the Northern Department in 
1777, especially for his absence at the capture of Ticonder- 
oga, July 6th of that year. Gen. Schuyler was honorably 
acquitted and, pending the action of Congress on the 

" 



Historical Record 

verdict of the court, he was appointed to that body by the 
Legislature of New York, then in session at the court 
house in Poughkeepsie. 

October 4, 1777, Sir Henry Clinton, then in command of 
the British troops in New York, started a force, estimated 
to number 4000, up the Hudson, presumably to co-operate 
with Burgoyne, who was struggling with Generals 
Schuyler and Gates for the supremacy of the upper 
Hudson. Arriving at the Highlands the superior num- 
bers and generalship of the British quickly captured 
Forts Montgomery and Clinton in the afternoon of Oc- 
tober 6th. These forts were more strictly batteries for 
the defence of the famous chain which had been stretched 
across the Hudson from Fort Montgomery. The bat- 
teries taken, the chain amounted to nothing. The 
second obstruction to navigation, the chevaux-de-frise 
from Nicoll's Point proved more formidable and the 
English fleet was detained here several days. They 
passed up the river on the 15th, firing several shots at 
Fishkill and Poughkeepsie, and on the 16th, destroyed 
Kingston. 

The defence of the Hudson on the east shore was 
intrusted to General Israel Putnam. Encamped at 
Fishkill with 600 regulars and several companies of 
militia, he retreated to the stronger Highlands before 
an insignificant force sent by Sir Henry Clinton to conceal 
the advance of his forces on the west side of the river. 
October 7th he wrote to Gates who was opposing Bur- 
goyne in the north: "I cannot prevent the enemy's 
advancing: prepare for the worst." Following the 
English fleet he led his army northward as far as Red 
Hook, arriving too late to prevent the burning of manv 
buildings at this place, as well as at Rhinebeck, by e ^c 

12 (. 



Dutchess County 

detachment of British soldiers. The presence of his 
army, on the eastern shore, however, prevented the 
further destruction of villages and property along the 
river in Dutchess county, by the English as they sailed 
down on the 24th of October. 

Shortly after the burning of Kingston, the newly 
formed State government was removed to Poughkeepsie. 
December 15, 1777, Gov. George Clinton issued his 
proclamation summoning the Senate and Assembly to 
meet at Poughkeepsie, Monday, the 5th day of January, 
1778. Three sessions were held here that year and the 
winter session of 1779. After that it met at irregular 
intervals at Kingston, Albany and Poughkeepsie; the 
subsequent Poughkeepsie sessions convening September 
7th to October 10th, 1780; June 15th to July 1st, and 
October 10th to November 3rd, 1781; February 23rd to 
April 14th, and July 8th to 25th, 1782; January 11th to 
March 22d, 1788; December 11th, 1788 to March 3rd, 
1789; and January 6th to 14th, 1795. 

Hundreds of Gov. Clinton's letters were written in 
Poughkeepsie indicating that he made his home there 
for several years, but there is no positive evidence what 
house was the gubernatorial Mansion. The stone house 
built by Clear Everitt, who was sheriff of the county 
from 1754 to 1761, was used for important purposes dur- 
ing the Revolution, and it is quite probable that Clinton 
occupied it for a time as his residence. Through the 
efforts of Mawenawasigh Chapter, Daughters of the 
American Revolution, the State in 1900 appropriated 
$5,000 for the purchase of this building, and it is now 
in the custody of this society and known as the Gov. 
Clinton House, where is maintained a museum. 

In December, 1778, General McDougall in command of 

13 






Historical Record 

the Highlands was greatly in need of shelter for his troops 
of the Continental army. Two regiments were m tents 
at FishkiU, and some four hundred men occupied the 
hospitals. He accordingly ordered a regiment of two 
hundred men to Poughkeepsie where they could be 
protected from the storms of rain and snow Gov. 
Clinton at first was opposed to the Continentals being 
stationed here, fearing they might interfere with the 
Legislature, whose members were afforded but indifferent 
accommodation. However, in February of '79, when 
the regiment was about to be withdrawn, he wrote that 
the troops had behaved in a most orderly manner; had 
repaired their barracks, and laid in ample firewood to 
make their quarters very comfortable. 

When the struggle for American independence was 
virtually terminated by the surrender of Cornwallis at 
Yorktown, October 19, 1781, the Legislature was at 
session in Poughkeepsie and on receipt of this joylul 
news, both houses, with the Governor, proceeded to the 
Dutch church and there offered thanksgiving to God 
for the great deliverance. 

The crowning event of historical interest to the citi- 
zens of Dutchess was the ratification, in their court house, 
of the Constitution of the United States, by the State of 
New York. The State Convention assembled at Pough- 
keepsie, June 17, 1788, to consider and act on the pro- 
posed Constitution recommended by the General Con- 
vention at Philadelphia, September 17, 1787. The 
State delegates elected to attend numbered sixty-five, 
of whom sixty are recorded as present and voting. 
Governor Clinton, who was one of the delegates from 
Ulster county, was unanimously elected president, and 
it soon developed that he was opposed to ratification, 

14 



Dutchess County 

and that a large majority of delegates shared his opinion. 
In fact Clinton is said to have been "the bitterest hater 
of the Constitution that could be found anywhere in the 
thirteen States." Other conspicuous leaders in opposi- 
tion were Melancton Smith, of Dutchess, and Robert 
Yates and John Lansing. 

Robert R. Livingston, then chancellor of the State 
of New York, and afterwards Minister to France, led the 
majority in favor of ratification. Warmly supporting 
him were John Jay, Chief Justice of the United States, 
and "foremost of all, Alexander Hamilton, whose name 
alone is his best eulogy." 

Among the arguments advanced by Melancton Smith 
was that no power worth speaking of would remain to the 
Legislatures of the States, and that it was impracticable 
to govern a country so widely extended as this by the plan 
proposed. To these and all other objections, Hamilton 
and his coadjutors replied with solid reasoning and con- 
summate tact. For many days the discussion continued, 
the spectators enjoying a mental feast, and it is safe to 
say, that in no State was the Constitution more power- 
fully opposed, and more ably defended. 

Of local interest is the following letter written in 
Poughkeepsie, under date of July 1, 1788, by Hon. Isaac 
Roosevelt, a member of the Convention, to Hon. Richard 
Varick of New York: 

"I wish it was in my power to inform you that your 
"Convention had agreed to adopt the Constitution or 
"Even what the Propable Event will be 

"Our oponents keep themselves much at a distance 
"from us and we Cant Collect any of their Sentiments 
"Either out or in Doors by any means whatever 



15 



I 



Historical Record 

"In our discussions on the Constitution we have got 
" only to the 8th Section of the first Article. 

"The time is mostly taken up in reasoning on the 
"impropriety of the Proposed amendments. 

"I now only Can sugest that the Event of Verginia 
"may influence their determination, should they reject 
"I think it Propable our Convention will, but should they 
"adopt, I am not Clear ours will, they may then Propose 
"an Adjournment to Collect the Scence of their respective 
"Constituents, Tho all will depend on their Leaders, 
"Hope shall be able to Write you more by Saturday 
"next." 

"While the logic of discussion was thus going on," 
says the Rev. A. P. Van Gieson, D. D., in an address 
delivered January 30, 1895, in Vassar Brothers' Insti- 
tute, "there intruded into it the logic of events. The plan 
" was that when the Constitution should have been rati- 
"fied by nine States, it should go into effect. When the 
"Convention of the State of New York met, eight of the 
"States had already ratified and the Conventions of New 
"Hampshire and Virginia were in session. On Thursday, 
"the 24th of June, a courier arrived in Poughkeepsie 
"from the Capitol of New Hampshire, bringing to Mr. 
"Hamilton the welcome news that the Convention of 
"that State had ratified. This made the requisite 
"nine States, and seriously changed the face of affairs. 
"The question for the remaining States was not whether 
"they would contribute to the forming of it, but whether 
"they would enter into or stay out of a Union already 
"formed. But by the opposition in the New York 
"Convention, the accession of New Hampshire was not 
"deemed decisive. It was a border State, and consisted 
"mostly of a wilderness with no population except that 

16 




Jhforts S^/a^A '/////j/r/r 



\ 



Dutchess County 

of bears and panthers. Virginia, the foremost of all the 
States, still held out, and without her and New York the 
new Union could not be a success. Mr. Smith spoke 
not only for himself, but for his party, when he said, 
on the day after the news came from New Hampshire, 
that the change in circumstances made no change in his 



views." 



July 2nd a courier arrived at Poughkeepsie with a 
package containing a dispatch from the president of the 
Virginia Convention at Richmond, and a letter from 
Madison to Hamilton, announcing that Virginia had, on 
the 26th day of June, unconditionally ratified the con- 
stitution. The accession of Virginia caused great en- 
thusiasm among the Federalists in the Convention, and 
proved a severe blow to the opponents of ratification, 
who, however, continued to stubbornly contest their 
ground, insisting that the Constitution was radically 
defective. After many days of lengthy debate and 
eloquent speeches, which won over several of the Anti- 
Federalists, Saturday, July 26th, was appointed for the 
final vote, which stood 30 to 27 for unconditional rati- 
fication. By the small majority of three, New York 
decided to become a member of the American Union. 
The final ratification might have been unanimous had 
Governor Clinton consented to vote for the Constitution. 

It is apparent to students of history that the great 
credit rightly given Hamilton for his brilliant and per- 
sistent fight in the Constitutional Convention in favor 
of its adoption has partially eclipsed the credit that 
should be given to Clinton and his followers, and that 
history has made scant acknowledgment of the true 
patriotism and far-seeing statesmanship that actuated 
Clinton in his opposition. 

17 



Historical Record 

Besides the criticism justly made that in certain re- 
gards the constitution did not give proper recognition 
to the great State of New York as compared with smaller 
and less important States, was the objection based upon 
the fact that in other respects the constitution was crude, 
and failed to guarantee proper protection to both personal 
rights and to State rights. The latter fact was recog- 
nized even by those who favored the adoption of the con- 
stitution as proposed. The opponents finally insisted 
that the constitution should be adopted only upon the 
expressed condition of the immediate adoption of 
necessary amendments. This course was seen to be 
impracticable, and finally the opponents patriotically 
agreed to the adoption with only an implied promise, 
or a tacit understanding, that these amendments should 
be adopted as soon as possible. 

The sequel of events justified their action, for at the 
first Congress held at the City of New York on the 4th 
of March, 1789, there were proposed ten articles of 
amendments, and they were subsequently adopted by 
the requisite number of States. 

These articles were called the American "Bill of 
Rights" and properly so, for they safe-guard the most 
valuable rights of person and of property : 

Such as freedom of religion; freedom of speech and 
of press; the right of assembly and petition; the right 
of the people to keep and bear arms; the prohibition of 
quartering troops on house-holders in time of peace, 
or in time of war, "but in a manner to be prescribed by 
law;" the right of the people to be secure in their per- 
sons and property against unreasonable searches and 
seizures and from arrest without warrant supported by 
oath; the right not to be held for trial for a felony unless 

18 



Dutchess County 

on indictment of a grand jury, and not be put in 
jeopardy of life or limb twice for the same offense; not 
to be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness 
against oneself, nor to be deprived of life, liberty or 
property without due process of law, nor to have one's 
property taken for public use without just compensation; 
the right of the accused in all criminal prosecutions to a 
speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of his 
locality, and to be informed of the nature and cause of 
the accusation, to be confronted with the witness against 
him, and to have compulsory process for obtaining wit- 
nesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel 
for his defense. It was prescribed that excessive bail 
should not be required nor excessive fines imposed, nor 
cruel and unusual punishments inflicted. 

Article nine of the amendments provided : 

"The enumeration in the constitution of certain 
"rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others 
"retained by the people." 

The right of trial by jury was preserved in suits at 
common law, where the values in controversy should 
exceed $20. 

Finally, regarding States' rights, as distinguished 
from personal rights, article ten of the amendments 
provided that: 

"The powers not delegated to the United States by 
"the constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, 
"are reserved to the States respectively or to the people." 

In the working out of our history as a Nation under 
the Constitution it has been found that the provisions 
of this Bill of Rights have been the bulwarks of the 
liberties of the people. They were worth contending 
for ?.nd insisting upon, and the men who contended for 

19 



Historical Record 

and insisted upon them are worthy of all honor and of all 
praise by the succeeding generations of a free people living 
under the constitution, as amended; for we would in no 
sense have been a free people without these amendments, 
and the sufferings and struggles of the Revolutionary 
patriots in behalf of liberty might have been in vain. 

By their success in the arbitrament of arms, the 
American patriots had sustained their contention that 
"taxation without representation" was oppression; and 
they had justified their Declaration that "these united 
"colonies are, and of right ought to be free and indepen- 
"dent states, that they are absolved from all allegiance to 
"the British crown, and that all political connection be- 
"tween them and the State of Great Britain, is, and 
"ought to be, totally dissolved." 

They were, moreover, heritors of all the rights of the 
people of Great Britain — all that had been won through 
battle and bloodshed, wrested from King John and 
guaranteed by Magna Charta; all that had been claimed 
in the original English "Bill of Rights" and secured 
through the "glorious Revolution" in England, the 
infringement of which had cost Charles I his head, and 
James II his crown; and the wise men of this new nation, 
who had vivid memories of the struggles of the past and 
clear foresight for the dangers of the future, and who 
insisted that these hard won rights should be guaranteed 
to the people by the government about to be formed, 
should have all honor and glory. 



20 






/■3^«J; ; i' : j;i->:''5S;;;i : '■.-',/' ■;.;■:::;. ■,-.-■.:'-. 

- ;■■ ■ . : . : ' ■ 

- ■: : ■ -■ 







-s.. ' 




CHAPTER II 
TOWNS IN DUTCHESS COUNTY 



AMENIA 

THE town of Amenia, erected in 1823, embraces 
some forty square miles on the extreme eastern 
border of the county. The Colonial boundaries 
of the precinct of Amenia included a large part of the 
present town of North East. 

The principal streams are Ten Mile River, Wassaic 
Creek, and West Brook. The valleys are very fertile 
and well adapted to grain and grass culture. The pro- 
duction of milk is probably the largest industry in this 
section. 

There are in the town six villages. Amenia, the 
largest, has above a hundred dwellings. Wassaic, the 
next in size, has above eighty dwellings. Smithfield, 
Amenia Union, South Amenia and Leedsville are small, 
pleasant villages. 

Richard Sackett was the first settler in the town. 
He built a house about 1712, near the place known as the 
Steel Works, where he lived and died. Other early 
settlers were the families of Winegar, Delamater, Paine, 
Hopkins, Wheeler, Benton, Carpenter, Reed and Swift. 

In 1748 a church was organized near the center of the 
town. It was undenominational, and was named Car- 
mel in the Nine Partners. Ten years later the "Red 
Meeting House" was erected. In 1790 the Baptists and 
Methodists organized separate societies, and in 1833 the 

21 



Historical Record 

Presbyterians built a house of worship in Amenia. In 
1847 Father Kelly of Connecticut ministered to the 
Catholics in this section. 

Amenia Seminary was built in 1835, and the school 
opened in the same year. It became widely known 
throughout the country, and students were enrolled 
from every State in the Union. The advent of graded 
schools rendered the existence of such an institution 
unnecessary, and the buildings have been closed since 
1888. 

BEEKMAN 

This is one of the southern tier towns of Dutchess, its 
southern angle extending almost to the north line of 
Putnam county. Its surface is generally hilly, and in 
the southern part mountainous. In the central portion 
is a good agricultural region. Near the western border 
is Sylvan Lake, covering over one hundred acres. 

There are no incorporated villages in the town. 
Poughquag, Green Haven, Clove Valley and Beekman- 
ville are hamlets. The Highland Division of the N. Y. 
N. H. & H. Railroad running east and west through the 
central part of the town has stations at Poughquag and 
Green Haven. 

The name of the town is derived from Col. Henry 
Beekman, who in 1697 obtained a grant of all the land 
east of Rombout's patent to the Oblong. This embraced 
the present towns of Beekman, Union Vale, a portion of 
La Grange, and nearly all of Pawling and Dover, with 
the exception of a strip along their eastern border. 

Settlements within the present town limits are sup- 
posed to have been made early in the eighteenth century, 
but records relating thereto have been lost or destroyed, 

22 



Dutchess County 

A man by the name of De Long is credited with keeping 
an inn near the present village of Green Haven as early 
as 1725, but his name does not appear in the list of free- 
holders of 1740. The location of the tavern on Colles 
map of 1789 places it about a mile and a half southeast of 
Sylvan Lake. James De Long, who was town clerk in 
1802-'03, is said to have been a descendant of the settler 
of that name. The families of Carman, Brill, Noxon, 
Baker, Pleas, Uhls from Germany, Cary, Dennis, 
Haxtun, Sweet and Gardner, were among the earliest 
known settlers. John Carman represented the precinct 
at Supervisors' meetings from 1739 to '42. His name 
appears in the official record of Supervisors in 1754, and 
that of Bartholomew Noxon in 1761. William Hum- 
phrey held this office in 1763. 

A short distance northeast of Poughquag was the home 
of Col. Vanderburgh, an officer of some prominence in 
the Revolution. He enjoyed the friendship of Washing- 
ton, who, in his diary, mentions stopping with him to 
take dinner, when on a hasty visit to Hartford 

The Bogarts from Holland were among the early 
settlers at Green Haven. A grist mill was conducted 
here during the Revolution by one Vincent. 

Extensive deposits of hematite ore are found in the 
north part of the town, and have been mined consider- 
ably. In 1831 Elisha Sterling & Co. built a charcoal 
furnace at Clove Valley, with a capacity of twelve tons of 
iron per day. The metal was of superior quality. 

The Beekman Iron Mine was discovered in 1846 by 
William E. Haxtun. It was opened in 1869 by Albert 
Tower, who owned and operated it for many years. 

23 



Historical Record 

The Clove Spring Iron Works was organized in 1873. 
It was not a success financially, and in 1883 was discon- 
tinued. 

The Methodist Church at Poughquag was erected in 
1839, and in the same year the Baptist Society built a 
church at Beekmanville. 

In 1859 a Catholic Church was built at Sylvan Lake, 
and another at Clove Valley, forming a part of the Parish 
of St. Denis. 

CLINTON 

This town, which was named for Gov. George Clinton, 
was formed from the precincts of Charlotte and Rhine- 
beck, March 13, 1786. It originally extended westward 
to the Hudson and comprised over 66,000 acres, with 
a population in 1790 of 4,607. By the creation of the 
towns of Hyde Park and Pleasant Valley, January 26, 
1821, it was reduced to its present area of 23,487 acres. 

Little Wappinger Creek flows southerly through the 
center of the town. Schultz mountain rises 780 feet 
above tide. The town contains no villages of commer- 
cial importance. Clinton Corners, Clinton Hollow, 
Schultzville and Pleasant Plains are hamlets. 

The precinct records shed some light upon the names 
of the first dwellers in the original town. Among those 
recorded from 1748 to 1756 are Nathan Bull, Moses 
Harris, Isaac Germond, Dirck Van Vliet, Jacob Spricor, 
John Earll, Lieut. Lewis, Jonathan Lyon, Isaiah Sher- 
man. The earliest settlers within the present town 
limits were the families of Van Vliet, Schultz, Sleight, 
Garrison, Cookingham and Traver, some of whose 
descendants reside upon the ancestral acres. 

24 







/J/J//Sf>rr 



Dutchess County 

Henry Sleight, a native of Long Island, is credited 
with being the first innkeeper. He built his tavern, 
which is still standing, about the year 1768, on the A. C. 
Briggs farm. 

Another early innkeeper and merchant was Abel 
Peters of Clinton Corners. His tavern and store were 
erected during the Revolution, and in 1792 he built a 
brick residence; the brick was manufactured on the 
premises, the materials being thrown together in a mass, 
and mixed by means of oxen treading on it. 

The grist mill at Pleasant Plains, which has been oper- 
ated by water power over one hundred and thirty years, 
is an interesting landmark. It was built in 1775 by 
John De Witt, son of Captain Petrus and Rachel (Rad- 
cliff) De Witt. It later became the property of John 
LeRoy, who, with his son Abraham, ran it for upwards 
of forty years. It was afterwards owned by George 
Cookingham, Harris & LeRoy, Frost & Cookingham, and 
since 1877 by J. Z. Frost. It is a frame building 35 by 55 
feet, three stories high, and cost about $8,000. 

The Quaker Meeting House at Clinton Corners was 
built in 1777. A separation in the society occurred in 
1828, owing to the dissension of Elias Hicks, and the 
Orthodox Quakers built a church in 1829 nearby the 
original stone meeting house. 

A Presbyterian Society was organized at Pleasant 
Plains in 1785. It did not prosper and was terminated 
in 1789. Services were continued for some years in the 
school house as often as a supply could be obtained. 

The records of the present society state that the 
Presbyterian church of Pleasant Plains was organized 
March 28, 1837, by Rev. Alonzo Welton of Poughkeepsie, 
with twenty-one members. The present edifice was 

25 



Historical Record 

erected in 1837, enlarged in 1859, and the parsonage 
bult in 1866. 

The Christian Church at Schultzville was erected in 
1866 on land donated by T. A. Schultz, who also con- 
tributed $3,000 towards the cost of the building. 

DOVER 

The town of Dover lies on the southeastern border of 
the county. It abounds in wild and beautiful scenery. 
On the eastern and western borders are ranges of hills 
almost mountainous in their dimensions, while the 
center forms a valley, some four hundred feet above tide- 
water, containing thrifty farms and pleasant villages. 

Dover was formed as a town from Pawling, February 
20, 1807. It is not definitely known by whom the town 
was first settled, but it is supposed that the first settle- 
ments were made by the Dutch who came here from the 
vicinity of Hudson's River. Among the early home- 
makers in this region we find the old Dutch names of 
Ousterhout, Van Dusen, Dutcher and Knickerbocker. 
It is said that the first named — the Ousterhouts — and 
the Wilcoxes, Dutchers and Bensons were the first 
settlers, and that they located under the East Mountain; 
but there are no dates accessible to define the time of 
their incoming. 

Other early settlers were: Hans Hufcut and Martin 
Preston, who settled on what is known as Preston 
Mountain, and the latter is said to have been the first sett- 
ler on the "Equivalent Land," or the Oblong. Thomas 
and Alice Casey, from Rhode Island, emigrated here 
about 1750, and located on what is now known as Chest- 
nut Ridge, Derrick Dutcher and Jacob VanCamp came 
here previous to 1731, and located near Plymouth Hill. 

26 






Dutchess County 

Dover Plains is the most important village in the town. 
It contains a National Bank with a capital of $100,000, 
organized in 1857; a Military School established in 1880; 
a Union Free School building which cost $10,000, and a 
Public Library with over one thousand volumes. 

The McDermott Milk Co. have a large factory here, 
handling about 100 cans of milk per day; and the Hall & 
Ferguson Cold Storage plant has a capacity of 15,000 
barrels of fruit. 

The village contains four churches : Baptist, organized 
1794, present edifice erected in 1833; Methodist Episco- 
pal organized in 1852, church built in 1853 at a cost of 
$5,000; St. Charles Borromeo (Catholic) erected in 1859, 
during the pastorate of Rev. Charles Slevin. Mass was 
celebrated in the village as early as 1848. St. James 
Episcopal Church was built in 1904. The congregation 
numbers about forty. 

At Dover Furnace are the ruins of the works of the 
South Boston Iron Company, established in 1881, 
principally for the manufacture of iron for government 
cannon. 

The depot at South Dover is known as Wing's Station. 
The hamlet contains a hotel built in 1858, two stores and 
a few dwellings. There are two churches — Baptist and 
Methodist. 

The Morehouse Tavern at Wingdale, torn down in 
1877, was a noted hostelry during the Revolution. It 
was located on the then chief highway from Hartford to 
Fishkill. Washington, Arnold, Marquis de Chastellux 
and La Fayette lodged at this tavern. The " Red Lion," 
another notable inn, was located at Webatuck, and part 
of the original building is standing. 

27 



Historical Record 

The Harlem Railroad, which traverses north and 
south, was built through the town of Dover in 1849. 

EAST FISHKILL 

This town was originally a part of Fishkill, from 
which it was set off as a separate town November 29, 
1849. It covers an area of about 33,000 acres, being the 
second largest town territorially in the county, exceeded 
only by the town of Washington. Hopewell Junction 
is the only village of importance therein. 

Among the earliest settlers were the Swartwouts, 
Storms, Emans, Montforts, Stockholms, Rapeljes, Van 
Wycks, Baileys and Van Vlackrens. Peter Montfort 
bought 370 acres of land in the vicinity of Fishkill Plains in 
1735. Aaron Van Vlackren settled at Gay head, where his 
son Tunis built a grist mill in 1768. About 1750 Aaron 
Stockholm built a mill at Hopewell. James Emans 
obtained a grant of land from Madam Brett near the 
present hamlet of East Fishkill. Settlement at Storm- 
ville was begun as early as 1739. Derick Storm was the 
first to take up land here, and was soon followed by 
Isaac, George and Thomas Storm, whose descendants 
are still to be found upon the lands thus early purchased. 
The Carmans and Arkles settled near them, about the 
year 1758, and to the north, Isaac Adriance, "of Nassau 
Island, Queens County," purchased two hundred and 
fifty acres of land in May, 1743, and shortly thereafter 
George and Abraham Adriance purchased and settled. 

The Reformed Church at Hopewell dates back to 1757. 
Services were held in private houses until 1762, when the 
first edifice was erected. The present brick church was 
built in 1833. Among the pastors who served this 
church were Rev. Isaac Rysdyck, 1765 to 1790. Rev. 

28 



Dutchess County 

Isaac Blauvelt, Rev. Nicholas Van Vranken, Rev. John 
Barkalo, Dr. Thomas De Witt, Rev. Charles B. White- 
head and Rev. Abraham Polhemus — familiar names in 
the annals of the Reformed Church of New York. 

The Baptists organized and built a church at Fishkill 
Plains in 1782. Its growth was slow, and services were 
finally discontinued. The church property was sold 
in 1893. The Methodist Church at Johnsville was 
organized in 1826. Its first pastors were Revs. Hunt, 
Selleck and Collins. It continues to prosper. The 
Bethel Baptist Church at Shenandoah was dedicated in 
1835, mainly through the efforts of Isaac Knapp and 
Abram Pulling. The Episcopal Church at Hopewell 
Junction was built in 1888. There is also a Catholic and 
a Pentacostal church in this village. 

When the railroad extending from Dutchess Junction 
to Pine Plains was completed in 1869, a hamlet sprang up 
near Hopewell station, and when the New England road 
was built, intersecting the Dutchess and Connecticut 
at this point, the hamlet was called Hopewell Junction. 
As a natural consequence the Junction has become the 
business center of the town. A coal and lumber yard 
was established in 1869 by R. C. Horton, and the follow- 
ing year Lawrence C. Rapelje built a hotel, which he 
leased to Edward Lasher. The village contains several 
stores, mechanical shops, and the Borden creamery. 

FISHKILL 

The town of Fishkill as constituted today is situated 
at the southwesterly corner of the county. It originally 
included all the territory covered by the Rombout 
Patent, granted by James II, in 1685, confirming the 
deed of land made to Francis Rombout and Gulian 

29 



Historical Record 

Verplanck by the Wappinger Indians in 1683. In 1849, 
33,000 acres of its area were set off to form the town of 
East Fishkill, and in 1875 its territory was further re- 
duced by 16,025 acres for the erection of the town of 
Wappinger. 

Catharine Rombout, the only child of Francis Rom- 
bout, the patentee, married Roger Brett, and in 1709 
the young couple built the house now standing in 
Matteawan, known as the Teller House. Shortly after 
the completion of this building Roger Brett was drowned 
from a sloop, and the care of his estate was left to his 
widow who became known as "Madam Brett." She set 
about establishing mills and invited settlers to come upon 
her land and develop it. Among the families who res- 
ponded were the Brinckerhoff, Van Wyck, Wiltse, 
Van Voorhis, Hasbrouck, Terbush and Dubois. 

In 1743, the milling industries having largely increased, 
Madam Brett and others organized the Frankfort Store 
House. It stood close to the water at what was known 
as the Lower Landing, north of Dennings Point. This 
was the origin of river freighting. The building re- 
mained until 1826, and the business was conducted by 
descendants of the Brett and Wiltse families. 

Gulian Verplanck, the co-patentee, did not come to 
live or build on the land set off to him. His grandson, 
Gulian, came about 1730, and built the house still 
standing known as Mount Gulian. In this building the 
Society of the Cincinnati was instituted, May, 1783. 

Fishkill-on-Hudson. This village has grown up around 
the original Five Corners and become a place of im- 
portance within the last thirty years. In 1864 it was 
incorporated and given the name of Fishkill Landing, the 
post office having been established under that name in 

30 



Dutchess County 

1804. During the Civil War the name of the post office 
was changed to Fishkill-on-Hudson. The village con- 
tains several large manufacturing plants, notably the 
Fishkill Landing Machine Co., incorporated in 1853; 
The Dutchess Hat Works, organized in 1873 by Lewis 
Tompkins; and the Dutchess Tool Co., which has been 
in existence since 1886. There is a National and a 
Savings Bank in the village; a daily and a weekly news- 
paper. 

Matteawan. This village was incorporated in 1886, 
and now includes within its limits Byrnesville, Wicco- 
pee and Tioronda. It has always been an industrial 
center. 

The first factory in Matteawan was established in 1814 
by Philip Hone (at one time Mayor of New York) and 
Peter A. Schenck, who had married Margaret Brett, 
granddaughter of Madam Brett. Hone and Schenck 
built the mill now belonging to the Matteawan Mfg. Co. 
which was organized in 1812 by Peter H. Schenck, J. J. 
Astor, Philip Hone, and others. They erected a stone 
cotton mill in 1814. The Company was re-organized in 
1825, and built the machine shop and foundry on the east 
side of the creek, devoted largely to the production of 
cotton machinery. The Company made an assignment 
in 1849 to Robert G. Rankin and Robert Carver. The 
property passed through several hands, and was finally 
purchased by John Falconer, who operated it under the 
name of the Seamless Clothing Manufacturing Company, 
in which he was associated with Mr. William Carroll. 
The Company failed in 1876, but resumed business under 
the name of William Carroll & Co. For many years it 
has continued successfully in the manufacture of wool 
and straw hats. 

31 



Historical Record 

The Rothery File Works was established in 1835, by 
John Rothery, who came from Yorkshire, England. 
Mr. Rothery was the first to manufacture new files in 
America. The company eventually gave up the business, 
as they could not compete in price with machine made 
files. The building they had erected in 1873 was 
destroyed by fire in 1876. It was rebuilt and leased 
by the Rotherys to Messrs. Rockwell & Son for a silk 
factory. Mr. Arthur Rockwell continued this business 
until his death in 1910. 

The Matteawan Manufacturing Co. was organized 
in 1864, with a capital of $150,000. for the manufacture 
of fine wool hats. It is one of the largest industries of 
this kind in the State. 

The Green Fuel Economizer Co. is one of the impor- 
tant industries in the village, and was established in 1891. 
The product of the company consists of an apparatus 
for utilizing waste gases passing from steam boilers and 
for re-heating water, thus affording a great saving in coal. 
The plant covers about 1200 acres, and gives employment 
to 400 persons. 

The New York Rubber Co. was organized in 1848, to 
manufacture articles under the Goodyear patent. They 
began operations on Staten Island, and in 1857 removed 
to the present location in Matteawan. The capital 
which was then $75,000 has been increased to $300,000. 
The plant employs about 250 persons. 

The village contains a National Bank, which was or- 
ganized in 1893 with a capital of $100,000, and a Savings 
Bank chartered in 1870. Gen. Joseph Howland, who 
was much interested in the development and improve- 
ment of the village of Matteawan, established and per- 
petually endowed a library here which bears his name. 

32 




'/. .Vj. /,„.,„, r<rr 2 V^ 



Dutchess County 

The Matteawan Evening Journal was started in 1869 
by Charles G. Coutant under the name of the Daily 
Herald. It has changed hands several times, and is now 
successfully conducted by Morgan H. Hoyt. 

The village of Fishkill, which is situated some six 
miles from Fishkill Landing, was the scene of many 
important events during the Revolution. Owing to its 
secure position at the head of the Highlands, and being 
on a direct route of communication with the New Eng- 
land States, it was selected as a natural depot for army 
supplies in this section. Large quantities of stores from 
Dutchess and adjacent counties were there accumulated 
for use of the Continental army. Barracks were erected 
on the plateau southeast of the village, and frequently 
large bodies of troops were stationed there. These 
barracks became the retreat for wounded and naked 
soldiers. 

The Dutch Church here, which was used as a military 
prison during the Revolution, was erected in 1731. 
Trinity Church, erected about 1760, was used as a hos- 
pital by the army of General Washington until dis- 
banded in 1783. 

HYDE PARK 

This town occupies a central position upon the west 
border of the county, and has an area of 22,395 acres of 
rolling and hilly upland. Crum Elbow Creek and the 
Fallkill flow in a southwesterly direction through the 
town. The town was formed from the western section 
of Clinton, January 26, 1821. The title to the soil dates 
back to 1705 when Peter Fauconier, one of the Little 
Nine Partner patentees, became sole owner of this grant. 
He was the secretary of Sir Edward Hyde, Governor of 

33 



Historical Record 

New York at the beginning of the 18th century, and 
named this patent Hyde Park. 

About 1735 Jacob Stoutenburgh, a Hollander and 
trader from Westchester, became interested in lands now 
comprised within the bounds of this town. He pur- 
chased the ninth "water lot" of the Nine Partners patent, 
on which the village of Hyde Park is now situated. This 
land he gave to his son Luke in 1758. 

Dr. John Bard, the earliest physician in this locality, 
bought out the heirs of Fauconier, of whom his wife was 
a descendant. Crum Elbow creek formed a natural 
division between the property of the Bards on the north, 
and the Stoutenburghs on the south. In early times 
there was much trouble over water privileges, and June 4, 
1789, Dr. Samuel Bard deeded four small parcels of land 
to Richard de Cantillon and James Stoutenburgh, thereby 
adjusting the water privileges. 

At a meeting of the town officers May 19, 1821, 
Charles A. Shaw was appointed "a discreet and proper 
person" to take the census. He returned the following 
statistics: Population, 2,300; electors, 431; taxable prop- 
erty, $547,106. 

The eastern part of the town adjoining Pleasant Valley 
and Clinton was settled at an early day by Quakers from 
New England and Long Island. Among them were the 
Marshal Is, Bakers, Briggs, Hoags, Halsteads, Moshers, 



SUinghams, Watters^Lamorees, Nelsons and Williams. 
l^TieTrJencls' Tiouse of /worship here was for many years 



called the"Crom Elbow Meeting House," erected about 
the year 1774. The early members have long since 
passed away, leaving their descendants to unite and to 
conform to the manners and discipline of other sects. 

34 



Dutchess County 

On the west border of the town are several country 
estates of families prominent in the social and business 
world, including those of John A. Roosevelt, who owned 
Mount Hope, and Mrs. James Roosevelt, who has an 
estate a few miles further north. "Belfield" is the home 
of Hon. Thomas Newbold. North of this is the estate 
which has been in the possession of Mr. Archibald Rogers 
for the past twenty -two years, and is known as " Crum- 
wold." Adjoining Hyde Park village on the north is 
the country seat of Mr. F. W. Vanderbilt, who purchased 
the property in 1895. This is the estate to which the 
name of Hyde Park originally applied. The Broughton 
and Rymph families have also been land owners in this 
section for many years. 

Staatsburg, a village in the northern part of the town, 
derives its name from the Staats family, who settled 
here about 1720. Other early settlers were the Hughes, 
Mulford and Russel families . The estate of Gen. Morgan 
Lewis is now owned by his great-granddaughter, Mrs. 
Ogden Mills. Among the descendants of Gen. Lewis 
still resident in Staatsburg is the family of the late 
Lydig M. Hoyt. North of this is "The Locusts," the 
estate of William B. Dinsmore, now owned by his widow 
and children. 

In 1790 there was formed in Hyde Park the Stouts- 
burgh Religious Association. Its members were com- 
posed of adherents of the Church of England, and of the 
Reformed Protestant Dutch Church, which continued 
this form of worship until the early part of the 19th 
century. In 1811 the Episcopalians decided to build a 
separate house of worship, and Dr. Bard gave the central 
part of the present St. James churchyard, and the build- 
ing was erected in that year. The present building of the 

35 



Historical Record 

Reformed Church was erected in 1826. The Methodist 
Church was built in 1833 upon ground donated by John 
Albertson, Sr. The Baptist Church was organized in 
1844, and the building erected in 1863, at the expense 
of Mrs. Mortimer Livingston, and her daughter, Mrs. 
Drake, who married for her second husband Mr. Kirk- 
patrick. 

LA GRANGE. 

The territory comprising the town of La Grange was 
formed from portions of the towns of Fishkill and Beek- 
man, February 9, 1821, under the name of Freedom. A 
strip of about five thousand acres was taken from it 
March 1, 1827, to form part of the town of Union Vale. 
The first town meeting was held at the house of William 
Wolven in April, 1821. 

The name of Freedom was given to the town by Enoch 
Dorland, a Quaker preacher. As this name caused 
confusion in the delivery of mail, it was changed in 1829 
by the Board of Supervisors, to La Grange, after the 
ancestral estate in France of the Marquis d' Lafayette. 

Settlement in the southern part of the town began as 
early as 1754, and the names of Shear, Clapp, Brundage, 
Swade, Dean, Weeks and Townsend are recorded among 
the pioneers. Arthursburg and Morey's Corners, now 
La Grangeville, were early neighborhoods. The families 
of Ver Valin, De Groff, Sleight, Nelson and Cornell 
settled in the western part of the town previous to the 
Revolution. 

The oldest religious organization in the town is that 
of the Society of Friends of Arthursburg. At this place 
was built a Friends' meeting house, and Oswego monthly 
meetings were held here as early as 1761. Samuel Dor- 

36 





>G* 



Dutchess County 

land and wife, Allen Moore and wife and Andrew Moore 
are recorded as being present at this meeting. Several 
Quaker families resided in this vicinity. Following the 
division in the Society in 1828 the Hicksites built a meet- 
ing house at Moore's Mills, where meetings are regularly 
held. 

The records of the Presbyterian church of Freedom 
Plains state that "On the 26th of July, 1827, sundry 
persons of Freedom did meet at the house of Mary Nelson 
and chose the following trustees: Benjamin H. Conklin, 
Baltus Overacker, Eleazer Taylor, Baltus Velie, Rickert- 
son Collins, John D. Brown, Abram S. Storm, Isaac B. 
Clapp and John Clapp." 

The organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
of La Grange was effected July 14, 1849. Previous to 
this date meetings were held occasionally in different 
neighborhoods by "circuit riders," and the inhabitants of 
the Morey vicinity attended chiefly at Potter's Hollow, 
where the first church edifice was built, and from which 
it was removed to Morey's in 1866, and called the "Trin- 
ity Church of La Grange." The minutes of the society 
contain no records of the early pastors, except for the 
year 1851, when Rev. Loren Clarke officiated. 

MILAN 

Milan was formed from the town of Northeast March 
6, 1818. It lies on the northern border of Dutchess 
county and comprises the western portion of that tract 
of land which embraces the Nine Partners Patent. 

In the year 1760, Johannes Rowe, a German by birth, 
located in this town north of what is now Lafayetteville, 
on nine hundred and eleven acres of land which he pur- 
chased of Chancellor Robert R. Livingston. For this 

37 



Historical Record 

land he paid 750 pounds, on which, in 1766, he built a 
stone homestead. Much of the land is still in possession 
of the Rowe family. Johannes Rowe died in 1771, and 
was buried in the family ground across the road from the 
church which bears the family name. He had four sons 
— John, Sebastian, Philip, and Mark, who settled around 
on the land of their father's purchase, and to each of 
whom he gave a farm. The sons built the Methodist 
church there, and were generous supporters of local enter- 
prises. Philip had a son, William P. Rowe, who served 
as a soldier in the war of 1812. 

Other early settlers were the Bowermans, Wilburs, 
Briggs, Whites, Pells, Hicks, Martins, Motts, Fultons, 
Stalls, Fellers, Hopemans, Philips, Teats and Frasers. 

The first town meeting was held at the house of 
Stephen Thome, April, 1818. That summer new bridges 
were built over streams at Mount Ross and Hoffman's 
Mill. 

The oldest mill in the town was built by Robert 
Thorne, two miles west of Lafayetteville. This hamlet 
was on the Post road from Northeast to Rhinebeck, and 
was a place of some business importance. A hotel was 
built here by William Waltmier, who, ten years later, 
disposed of the property to Jacob Knickerbacker. 

The Methodist Society was organized mainly through 
the efforts of the Rowes, about the year 1800, with the 
first house of worship on their farm near Lafayetteville. 
A new building was erected in 1838. 

The "Christian Denomination" was composed of 
Methodists, Presbyterians and Baptists, who held 
meetings in the town as early as 1820. 

38 






Dutchess County 
NORTHEAST 

The towns of Northeast, Pine Plains and Milan, taken 
collectively, constituted, in 1746, the Northeast Precinct. 
In 1818 Milan was set off by itself, and in 1823 Northeast 
was shorn of Pine Plains, but had annexed a liberal slice 
of Amenia to its southern border, thus preserving its 
equilibrium among its sister towns by this compensation 
in wealth and population. 

The town received its name from its geographical 
position in the county. A range of the Taconic Moun- 
tains extends along the eastern border, with the Winchell 
Mountain on the west. The Ten Mile River, some 
eighteen miles in length, runs south through the eastern 
part of the town. The Shekemeko runs in a northerly 
direction through its western portion. 

The first town meeting in Northeast, as at present 
constituted, was held at Northeast Center on the first 
day of April, 1823. 

The earliest settlements in the town were made in the 
Oblong tract of Spencers Corners. A Baptist church was 
built here in 1777. North of Spencers Corners stands 
the old-fashioned house of the Dakins, built by Orville 
Dakin, when the country was a wilderness. Westward 
are the buildings of the Millerton Iron Co., now in ruins. 

Millerton, the largest village in the town, derived its 
name from Sidney G. Miller, one of the builders of the 
New York and Harlem Railroad. The village was in- 
corporated June 30, 1875, with N. C. Beach, President. 

In 1891 the village was bonded for a sum not to exceed 
$15,000 to procure a water supply. 

39 



Historical Record 

In 1882 the Millerton National Bank was organized 
with G. S. Frink as President, and W. M. Dales as 
Cashier. The present bank building was erected in 1903. 

The Millerton Telegraph, a weekly publication, was 
started in 1876 by Cooley James, and subsequently be- 
came the property of Colvin Card. 

The Baptist church was organized in 1777. The Con- 
gregational Church of Northeast was organized in 1827, 
and the building erected in 1828. In 1873 this church 
was affiliated with the Presbyterian denomination, and a 
new house of worship was built in Millerton in 1905, at 
an expense of $7,800. 

The first record of the Methodist Episcopal church 
bears date of 1842, and under date of April 2, 1859, is 
found the following: "The trustees of Millerton beg 
leave to report that they have purchased a lot on which 
they have erected a church edifice which costs, with the 
said lot, the sum of $4,500. That they have paid $3,700. 
That there is now in subcriptions $450." 

PAWLING 

This town is described as the southeast corner town 
in Dutchess county. A range of hills, locally known as 
Quaker Hill, extends along the east border. Another 
range, known as the West Mountain, occupies the western 
part. A broad and fertile valley runs through the cen- 
tral portion. Pawling precinct was taken from Beek- 
man precinct in 1768, and erected into a town in 1788. 
Dover was taken off and made into a separate township 
in 1807. Whaley Pond, Lake Norton, Green Mountain 
Lake and Lake Hammersley are considerable bodies of 
water. The road leading south from Pawling village, 
now called the State road, was laid out in 1745, and is 

40 



Dutchess County 

described as running from Beekman's Patent into West- 
chester. The population of the town in 1810 was 1,756. 

Pawling village, incorporated in 1903, has about 800 
inhabitants. Quaker Hill, Holmes and West Pawling 
are hamlets. 

Quaker Hill and West Mountain were probably settled 
long before the lands in the valley. Swamp fevers were 
feared by the pioneers. Among the early settlers on the 
east side we find the names of Sherman, Merrit, Birdsall, 
Irish, Akin, Craft, Chase and Osborn. Of the valley 
there occur Shaw, Cary, Hunt, Sabin, Salmon, Pearce 
and Slocum. On the west side there once dwelt the 
ancestors of the families by the name of Worden, Moshier, 
Dentory, Dibble, Davis and Turner. It is said that 
there was quite an influx into the t own abo ut 1740. 

The official headquarters of General Washington, 
during his sojourn with his army in Pawling in 1778, 
were at the house of John Kane, now the site of the 
Roberts' residence. 

The historic Oblong Meeting House, which is still stand- 
ing, bears a tablet containing these words: "OBLONG 
MEETING HOUSE of the Society of Friends Erected 
in 1742 South of This Road. Present Meeting House 
Erected in 1760. First Effective Action Against Slavery 
Taken Here in 1767. Occupied as Hospital in 1778 By 
Revolutionary Soldiers Many of Whom Are Buried South 
of This Road. Meeting Divided in 1828. Meetings 
Discontinued in This House 1885." 

Akin Hall Association, was founded by Albert John 
Akin in 1882, for the promotion of benevolence, charity, 
literature and science. The Association holds real 
estate as follows: Aikin Hall and Manse, the Library 
Building, Mizzen Top Hotel and cottages. 

41 



Historical Record 

The Bank of Pawling was organized in 1849 by Albert 
J. Aikin. In 1865 it was changed to a National Bank, 
Pawling Savings Bank was incorporated in 1870. The 
first president was David R. Gould, who was conspicuous 
in its organization. 

The village of Pawling has a fine water system con- 
structed in 1895. A Fire Company is maintained with a 
well equipped hose house. 

PINE PLAINS 

The town of Pine Plains is one of the northern tier of 
towns in Dutchess, bordering the county of Columbia. 
Extensive plains originally covered by pine forests gave 
the town its name. 

The territory was included in the Little Nine Partners* 
Patent; together with Milan and a portion of present 
Northeast it was in 1788 erected into a town, the three 
being known as Northeast. Milan was taken off in 
1818, and Pine Plains was erected into a separate town- 
ship in 1823. Before these townships were divided the 
seat of government was at the present village of Pine 
Plains; here the town records were kept; hither the 
voters from Spencer's Corners and Northeast Center 
had to come over the " West Mountain, which is a high 
ridge of fertile country, well inhabited, stretching from 
north to south, steep in ascent and descent, and is about 
three miles over;" in short, the people of the vicinity of 
Millerton had to traverse about fifteen miles to reach 
the place of their annual town meetings. 

The "house of Israel Reynolds" (Stissing House) was 
designated in the early records as the place where town 
business was transacted, and where the first town meet- 
ing for Pine Plains was held. 

42 



Dutchess County 

Among the early settlers are the names familiar at the 
present time — Winans, Smith, Harris, Reynolds, Hoff- 
man, Pulver, Deuel, Dibblee, Husted, Stevenson, Rau 
(Rowe), Seldon, and others. The eastern portion of 
Pine Plains was settled by the Palatines. 

The village of Pine Plains had an official name as a 
postoffice a few years prior to its organization as a town. 
In 1830 a direct stage route twice a week was established 
from Poughkeepsie to Pine Plains, by way of Pleasant 
Valley. Since the construction of the Newburgh, Dut- 
chess & Connecticut Railroad, in 1869, the mail has been 
carried by steam. 

Pine Plains has a public library of nearly 3,000 vol- 
umes. It was established in 1797, and was the first pub- 
lic library in Dutchess county. 

The Pine Plains Bank was organized in 1839, and 
closed its doors in 1857, voluntarily, but maintained its 
good name. The following year the Citizens' Bank was 
organized, and in 1865 it was changed to a National Bank. 
Its capital stock is $45,000. 

PLEASANT VALLEY 

This town was formed from the town of Clinton 
January 26, 1821, and covers an area of 20,255 acres 
almost equally divided by Wappinger's creek. The 
village of Pleasant Valley with a population of about 
seven hundred is the commercial center of the town. 
Salt Point and Washington Hollow are hamlets. 

Settlements of the town took place during the time it 
was a part of Crom Elbow precinct — 1737-1762. Among 
the early settlers were the families of Newcomb, Filkins, 
Humphreys, Halls, Jacksons, Aliens, Flaglers, Formans, 
Marshalls, Beadles, Deans, Sellecks, Abbotts, Van Voor- 

43 



Historical Record 

hees, Harris and Frost. A fulling mill east of the village 
was built by John Kenyon in 1808, and this is the site 
of the present plant of Garner & Co. 

In 1813 a postoffice was established, and two years 
later the village was incorporated; it was reincorporated 
March 21, 1903. The same year a free library was or- 
ganized as a voluntary association. 

A church at Washington Hollow was erected in 1747 
by the Presbyterian society. It was in this church 
building that a band of Tories, in the summer of 1777, 
assembled. They numbered about four hundred, and 
came principally from the southern part of the county. 
Parties were sent to the bordering settlements to intimi- 
date the patriots, and obtain supplies for the British 
army. While the Tories were thus showing authority, 
they were surprised by a company of American soldiers 
from Sharon, Connecticut. Upon their attempt to es- 
cape, the Yankees gave them a broadside and killed 
several. About thirty in number were captured and 
marched to Sharon, from whence they were taken to 
New Hampshire and held until the close of the war. 

In 1812 the Presbyterians of Pleasant Valley erected a 
house of worship in the village, which gave way to a new 
edifice in 1848. Methodism was introduced into the 
town in 1788, and in 1825 the Society built a church 
here. St. Paul's Church was built in 1843, and the 
Westminster Presbyterian Church at Salt Point in 1862. 

RED HOOK 

This town was formed from Rhinebeck June 2, 1812. 
It lies in the extreme northwest corner of Dutchess, 
bordering Columbia county. Its surface is a rolling 
upland, and the soil a gravelly loam. It has always been 

44 



Dutches s County 

a good agricultural and fruit growing section. The 
villages of Red Hook and Tivoli-Madalin are the chief 
centers of population, and Barrytown is of some impor- 
tance as a railroad depot. The Sawkill flows through 
the center of the town. 

The mills that were built subsequent to 1725 on the 
Sawkill and the White Clay Kill (now Stony creek) were 
a prominent feature of the earlier times. On the former 
stream at one time stood Judge Livingston's mill at the 
river; General Armstrong's mill at Cedar Hill; Van 
Benthuysen's mill, and a woolen factory in the same 
place; the Chancellor's mill in the interior, and Robert 
G. Livingston's mill on the Rock City branch. 

At the mouth of Stony creek was the mill of Jannetje 
Bradt, Park's mill at Myersville (Madalin), Cook's 
factory, and Zachariah Hoffman's mill. Several of the 
above mentioned mills and adjoining buildings were 
burned by a detachment of British troops immediately 
after the destruction of Kingston in 1777. The only 
dwelling spared was the home of Gilbert Robert Living- 
ston, who remained loyal to the crown during the Revolu- 
tionary War. 

A large portion of the land about what is now known 
as Tivoli was owned by the Hoffmans, who built the 
mills northeast of Tivoli, nearly a century and a half ago. 
They were freighters, storekeepers and millers before 
and after the Revolution. 

Nicholas Bonesteel and Anna Margretha Kuhn, his 
wife, with some of their children, were among the early 
settlers. A portion of the village of Red Hook is now on 
the easterly part of their farm. Of their descendants, 
Philip N. Bonesteel was a merchant, magistrate and post- 
45 



Historical Record 

master in Red Hook for many years. His son, Virgil D., 
was Surrogate of Dutchess county in 1844. 

Peter Contine and his wife, Eleanor, daughter of 
Jacob Heermance of Kingston, lived at Upper Red Hook 
previous to the Revolution. In 1791 he kept a store at 
what is now Barrytown Landing. 

John, James, Daniel and Robert Wilson, four brothers, 
settled in the vicinity of Upper Red Hook before 1770, 
and engaged in farming. The two eldest married the 
Kuhn sisters, daughters of Simon Kuhn. 

The fine old estates in this town overlooking the Hud- 
son include "Rokeby," "Blithewood," the Callendar 
House and "Chateau Tivoli," elsewhere described in this 
volume. 

Annandale is the site of St. Stephen's College, char- 
tered March 20, 1860. The college grew out of the 
Church of the Holy Innocents and its parish school. 
Students are attracted to it from all parts of the country. 

The religious denominations of the town are the 
Methodists, with churches at Red Hook and Tivoli; St. 
Paul's Lutheran Church at Red Hook; and the Episco- 
palians with a church in each village. The Church of 
the Sacred Heart at Barrytown, and St. Sylvia's Church 
at Tivoli, were erected by the Catholics in 1875 and 
1903 respectively. 

TOWN AND CITY OF POUGHKEEPSIE 

The town of Poughkeepsie as early as 1715 was a part 
of the Middle Ward of Dutchess county. By the erec- 
tions of precincts in the county in 1737, Poughkeepsie 
had a slice taken off its northern end, and was given a 
definite eastern boundary. Its limits were but slightly 

46 



Dutchess County 

changed by the act of 1788, which organized the county 
into towns. 

The name Poughkeepsie is first found in an Indian 
deed, dated May 5, 1683, on file in Albany, granting to 
Pieter Lansingh and Jan Smeedes each a farm, and to the 
latter "also a waterfall near the bank of the river to build 
a, mill thereon. The waterfall is called Poughkepesingh 
and the land Minnisingh, situate on the east side of the 



river." 



With the granting of a patent known as Minnisinch 
to Robert Sanders and Myndert Harmans, October 24, 
1686, the site of the city of Poughkeepsie began to acquire 
settlers enough to determine the location of a center or 
hamlet. The families included "Sovryn the Baker," 
Harmans, the patentee, Balthazar Barnse, Hendrick 
Ostrom, Simon Scoute and Baltus Van Kleeck. Other 
early settlers were the Vanderburghs, Vandebogerts, 
Parmentors, Lewis, Pells, Titsoorts and Filkins. 

Poughkeepsie as a county seat dates from May 27, 
1717, and the county records of 1722 state that meetings 
are now held in the court house. 

March 27, 1799, Poughkeepsie was incorporated as a 
village, the charter providing for a board of five trustees 
to be elected on the third Tuesday in May. That, how- 
ever, was only for the first election, all subsequent elec- 
tions for many years coming in April. The boundaries of 
the village as then fixed remain the limits of the city of 
Poughkeepsie today. The first trustees were James S. 
Smith, Valentine Baker, Andrew Billings, Ebenezer 
Badger, and Thomas Nelson. The extant records of the 
village begin in 1803, when Andrew Billings was president. 
The village then had something like 1,500 inhbaitants, 
and the population of the whole town in 1800 was 3,246. 

47 



Historical Record 

In 1810 the town had 4,669 inhabitants and the village 
2,981. In 1855 when the city had been taken out, the 
town had left but 3,110 people. The town added popu- 
lation very slowly down to 1900, when the growth of one 
of the suburbs of the city, called Bull's Head, East 
Poughkeepsie, and more recently Arlington, had made 
much progress chiefly because of the growth of Vassar 
College. Channingville, that part of Wappingers Falls 
north of the creek, accounts for several hundred of the 
town's population. 

A notable fire of the village days was the burning of the 
court house September 25, 1806. A new court house was 
erected in 1809, and replaced by the present building in 
1903. 

An important event was the establishment of the first 
central village water supply by the building of the reser- 
voir on top of Cannon street hill in 1835, at a cost of 
$30,000. Water was pumped from the Fall Kill and was 
used only for fire extinguishing purposes, pipes being 
laid only on the main streets. The reservoir happened 
to be empty on May 12, 1836, when Poughkeepsie was 
visited by the greatest fire in its history, a fire which 
burned nearly all the buildings on the south side of Main 
street, between Liberty and Academy streets. At one 
time the destruction of a very large section of the village 
seemed inevitable, as buildings on the north side of the 
street were several times on fire, but the force pump which 
supplied water to the reservoir had been started and water 
came down through the pipes at the critical time, so that 
the flames were controlled. 

Between 1830 and 1837 the village grew rapidly and a 
remarkable real estate boom was inaugurated by the 
Poughkeepsie Improvement Party, which included such 

48 







'ese££ 




Dutches s County 

men as Paraclete Potter, editor of the Poughkeepsie 
Journal, Nathaniel P. Tallmadge, United States Senator, 
Matthew Vassar, Walter Cunningham, George P. Oakley 
and Gideon P. Hewitt. Many acres of land were plotted 
and sold in lots, two chief centers of development being 
around Mansion Square and the old French farm, south 
of the English Burying Ground, that is, south of the 
present location of Christ Church. 

The Hudson River Railroad was built through from 
New York to Poughkeepsie in 1849, the first train coming 
through to the site of the present station January 4, 1850. 

The city of Poughkeepsie was incorporated by the act 
of the Legislature, March 28, 1854, and the first city 
election was held the following April, when James 
Emott, Jr., became the first Mayor. He resigned in 1856 
to become a Justice of the Supreme Court, as his father 
had been before him. One of the early aldermen was 
Henry W. Shaw (Josh Billings). The second Mayor was 
Charles W. Swift, Apart from some notable political 
meetings on Forbus Hill, the space which remained open 
for many years between Union and Church streets, back 
of the Forbus House, nothing of great importance took 
place in Poughkeepsie down to the Civil War. 

Before 1870 the second great period of growth, com- 
parable to that of the days of the old improvement party 
between 1830 and 1837, was in full sway. This latter 
period of improvement included the building of the new 
water works, pumping from the Hudson River with sand 
filtration ; the installation of a complete sewerage system ; 
the Fallkill improvement by which the old mill ponds on 
the kill were abolished and the stream was walled in ; the 
Poughkeepsie & Eastern Railroad; the building of the 
city railroad, and the beginning of the Poughkeepsie 

49 



H istorical Record 

Bridge. Harvey G. Eastman, George Innis, Mark D. 
Wilbur and George P. Pelton were leaders in this latter 
improvement era. 

Revolutionary Notes. After the destruction of King- 
ston by the British, October 16, 1777, Gov. Clinton came 
to Poughkeepsie and the Council of Safety soon followed. 
The court house was used for legislature sittings, and the 
first laws of the State of New York were passed here. 
In the winter of 1778-79 a regiment of Continentals was 
quartered in Poughkeepsie, and barracks were erected 
on the south side of the village. The Legislature was 
in session at Poughkeepsie when the news of the sur- 
render of Cornwallis was received, in October, 1781. 
The ratification of the Constitution of the United States 
in the Poughkeepsie court house, June 26, 1788, is the 
most important event in the city's history. 

Education. Poughkeepsie has long been known as a 
city of schools. The Dutchess County Academy, found- 
ed at Fishkill, was removed to Poughkeepsie in 1792. A 
new building was erected in 1836; it was sold in 1870 to 
Jonathan Warner, founder of the Old Ladies' Home, and 
the money was used for the construction of the present 
High School. 

The Poughkeepsie Collegiate School, a noted insti- 
tution, founded in 1835, continued until 1867, when the 
property was sold to settle the estate of Charles Bartlett, 
its first principal; the Grecian temple still crowns College 
Hill. 

Riverview Military Academy was opened in 1867 by 
Otis Bisbee. Eastman College was started by Harvey 
G. Eastman in 1859. 

There have been not less than fifty private schools at 
various times in Poughkeepsie, notably; Poughkeepsie 

50 



Dutchess County 

Military School, Lyndon Hall, Poughkeepsie Female 
Academy, Cottage Hill Seminary, State and National 
Law School, and Putnam Hall School, formerly Brooks 
Seminary. 

Vassar College, founded by Matthew Vassar, was 
chartered by the Legislature January 18, 1861. Matthew 
Vassar gave the site, some 200 acres of land, and 
added about $400,000. The College opened in 1865, 
with 353 students. Matthew Vassar died in 1868, and 
his nephews, Matthew, Jr., and John Guy, continued his 
interest in the institution. They died, respectively, 
in 1881 and 1888, and left the college considerable sums 
of money. John D. Rockefeller and Frederick F. 
Thompson have also been large benefactors. President 
James M. Taylor took charge in 1886, and the growth 
of the college has been continuous, until in 1905 the 
trustees found it necessary to limit the number of stu- 
dents for a term of five years to one thousand. 

The Poughkeepsie Public Library was formed under the 
school library law in 1835. From 1872 to 1898 it occu- 
pied rooms in the High School building, and was then 
removed to the Adriance Memorial Library building. 
In 1899 the control of the library was given to a board 
of library trustees. In 1911 it contains about 50,000 
volumes. 

Churches. The Dutch church was organized October 
10, 1716, by Rev. Petrus Vas. The building was finished 
in 1723. A second edifice was built in 1760, and in 1822 
a third church was erected on the site of the present 
church building. This was destroyed by fire January 18, 
1857, and the present brick building erected shortly 
thereafter, and dedicated September 7, 1858. 

51 



Historical Record 

The Church of England, predecessor of the present 
Episcopal church, was organized in 1766, and erected a 
building. It stood until 1833 at the corner of Church and 
Market streets, when the old Christ Church, still well 
remembered, replaced it. 

A Presbyterian church was organized in Poughkeepsie 
as early as 1749, but failed to maintain itself or erect a 
building. The Methodists organized in 1804 and built 
a church in Jefferson street. The Baptist records are 
complete from the organization of the society in 1807, 
when they erected an edifice on Mill street. The 
Quakers established a meeting house on Clover street 
in 1802. By 1826 the Presbyterians were permanently 
organized and built a church on Cannon street. 

October 14, 1832, a number of Catholics residing in 
Poughkeepsie formed the Catholic Association, to raise 
a fund for the erection of a church, with the result that 
St. Peter's Church was built and dedicated November 26, 
1837. The building was enlarged and remodelled in 1853. 
The first edifice of the Church of the Nativity was erected 
in 1852. The Church of St. Mary was incorporated 
March 12, 1879. 

The charitable institutions of Poughkeepsie include 
the Home for the Friendless, built in 1887; The Old 
Ladies' Home; the Vassar Brothers' Home for Aged 
Men, and Vassar Brothers' Hospital. 

RHINEBECK 

The town of Rhinebeck embraces 18,945 acres in the 
northwestern part of the county bordering the Hudson 
River. It was formed as a town March 17, 1788. Red 
Hook was taken off in 1812. The two towns comprised 
the greater part of Rynbeck precinct, organized Decern- 

52 



Dutchess County 

ber 16, 1737. Landsman Kill, the principal stream, was 
an important factor in the development of the milling 
industry in the early days of the town. 

The first deed for lands in Rynbeck precinct bears 
date of June 8, 1686, recorded in Ulster County Clerk's 
office. It was a transfer on the part of three Indians, to 
Gerritt Artsen, Arie Rosa and Jan Elton. Another 
deed of 1686 conveys land to Hendrick Kip. Beekman's 
patent to land in this vicinity was granted in 1697. 

Kip built a stone house on his land in 1700. It was 
destroyed by fire in 1910. Artsen, with a family of ten 
children, came to live upon and cultivate his land in 1702. 
The Rosa tracts were occupied by an Osterhout, a Van 
Etten and an Ostrander. In 1709 the settlers numbered 
thirty families. In 1715 Beekman induced many Pala- 
tines to locate on his lands. 

William Traphagen was one of the largest taxpayers in 
1718. He built a tavern, opened a blacksmith shop and 
this formed the nucleus of the present village of Rhine- 
beck. Nearby was a grist mill operated by one Schut. 
Simon Cole was the first merchant in the town; John 
Kip was a carpenter; Ananias Teel, a wheelwright; 
Laurence Teder, a mason; Henry Shop, a harness-maker; 
Jacob Van Ostrander, a linen weaver. 

By 1730 it was decided to have a church in the imme- 
diate vicinity, which was erected on the site of the present 
"Old Dutch Church." 

The erection of several grist, saw and woolen mills 
on the Landsman Kill, were potent factors in the early 
development of Rhinebeck. The Beekman mill, built 
in 1710, near the river, was followed in 1715 by the 
Beekman-Livingston mills, below "the flatts." The 
Rutsen mills, on the turnpike east of "the flatts," were 

53 



Historical Record 

built in 1742, and the Traphagen mill in 1750. The 
General Montgomery and the Governor Lewis mills were 
built in 1774 and 1800, respectively. 

The establishment of ferry service at Rhinebeck in 
1752, brought the inhabitants in closer connection with 
Rondout. The charter was granted to Abraham Kip 
on the east side of the river, and to Moses Contine on the 
west side. 

The village of Rhinebeck was incorporated April 23, 
1834, and the act amended in 1867. One half of the 
business section was destroyed by fire May 8, 1864. It 
was soon rebuilt with substantial brick structures. 

The Bank of Rhinebeck was organized in 1853, with a 
capital of $125,000. It became a National Bank in 1865. 
The Rhinebeck Savings Bank was organized in 1862. 
The Starr Institute, which contains a free library, was 
built and furnished by Mrs. Mary R. Miller in 1862, at a 
cost of $15,000. 

The Memorial Building at Rhinecliff contains a lib- 
brary, a reading room, and an auditorium. It is a 
spacious structure, and was erected in 1907 by Hon. Levi 
P. Morton, as a memorial to his deceased daughter. It is 
the only public building in Rhinecliff. 

STANFORD 

This town is included in the Great Nine Partners tract 
granted in 1697 to Caleb Heathcote and others, and was 
formed from the town of Washington March 12, 1793. 
Wappingers creek is the principal stream. Thompson 
Pond and Upton Lake are considerable bodies of water. 
Bangall, Stanfordville and Stissing are small villages. 

Three brothers, Samuel, Amos and Enos Thompson, 
great grandsons of Anthony Thompson, original planter 

54 



Dutchess County 

in the New Haven Colony, came into Dutchess county 
about 1750. Samuel and Amos had been connected 
with the Goshen, Connecticut settlement. Enos came 
direct from New Haven. Tradition says they acquired 
2,800 acres between them, around the shores of the 
beautiful sheet of water long known as Thompson's 
Pond. Paul Upton and Christopher Dibble were early 
settlers here — the former coming from Massachusetts, 
the latter from Long Island. 

Along the banks of the Wappingers stood several 
factories. The foundations alone mark the spot from 
which the buildings have been removed. A cotton mill 
had a brief existence here. A paper mill was established 
previous to 1840, and in 1844 was burned down. In 
1843 Silas Rogers founded a wagon axle manufacturing 
business, which was carried on until western competition 
became too strong. A grist mill was established in 
1850 by Seaman & Northrup. The freshet of 1865 swept 
the dam away. 

As early as 1755 a Baptist Society was organized in 
the town which had an interesting career. The present 
church, dedicated May 26, 1869, is the third edifice of the 
Society in the town. The Quaker Society was also 
organized at an early date. The Christian Church of 
Stanfordville was established in 1840; and the Methodists 
built a house of worship in 1843. A Catholic Church at 
Bangall is a Mission of the Millbrook church. 

UNION VALE 

The town of Union Vale was erected March 1, 1827, 
and includes territory formerly comprised in the towns 
of Beekman and "Freedom," now La Grange. Its sur- 
face is a hilly upland, intersected by a broad valley 

55 



Historical Record 

extending north and south. This valley is known far 
and wide as "The Clove," its limits extending beyond the 
town borders, and was an important landmark in the 
early history of the region. 

The Clove Kill is a tributary of the Fishkill, flowing 
southwesterly through the town. This territory was a 
portion of the Beekman patent, and settlement is sup- 
posed to have begun about the year 1716. Oswego and 
Verbank are hamlets. Among the early settlers we find 
the names of Livingston, Potter, Abel, Morey, Reed, 
Uhl, Cline and Wilkinson. 

William Coe and Peter Emigh settled on adjoining 
farms here in 1740. In that year the stone house was 
built, now standing, on the Emigh homestead, at present 
in possession of a grandson of William. Many people 
every season make a pilgrimage to this relic of bygone 
days. It is a large, two-story structure, in good repair, 
notwithstanding its age. 

On this Emigh homestead is the far-famed Clove 
Spring. This is a natural fountain of the purest water, 
from which flows a stream equivalent to an ordinary 
mill-race. The spring itself is seventy-five feet across. 

The Clove Spring Trout Company, an association of 
New York gentlemen, have utilized the waters of this 
spring in the construction of ten ponds, each fourteen 
by sixty feet, in which are twenty-two thousand trout, 
assorted into five sizes; the last pond containing two 
thousand two-pound trout. These are soon to be let 
loose in the adjacent streams, to be angled for when the 
"law is up." About eighty pounds of fresh beef is ground 
up daily for their consumption. 

The Clove Valley Rod and Gun Club is another asso- 
ciation of wealthy gentlemen of sportsman taste, as the 

56 





/t^ **€^ + 



Dutchess County 

name implies. They have leased the old ore mine prop- 
erty for a term of years, and erected a large club house, 
where they are at liberty to come at pleasure. By a 
payment of a small annual fee to the farmers they have 
secured the right to hunt and fish over miles of adjacent 
territory. The company has lately invested thousands 
of dollars in the acquisition of rights and in erecting 
buildings for the use of the club. 

The Ebenezer Methodist Church was built in 1837, 
the original cost, exclusive of labor, being about $800. 
William Coe, Peter G. Emigh and Jonathan G. Vincent 
were the original trustees. From the date of the erection 
of the church edifice to the present time, upwards of 
seventy years, the society has enjoyed unbroken services. 
The pulpit is now supplied by Rev. N. O. Lent of La- 
grangeville. 

South of this is the Catholic church, its attendants 
forming an outlying mission of the Sylvan Lake Church. 
Meetings are held here at stated intervals. 

The "Old Union Church" at Green Haven, frequently 
referred to in the ecclesiastical documents of the county, 
and which was called the "Old Union" as early as 1820, 
when there was not a house of worship in the present town 
limits of Union Vale, is described as a large building for 
the time, with a gallery at one end, a high pulpit with 
seven or eight steps leading up to it, and a sounding-board 
poised over the preacher's head. In later years it was 
used only for entertainments. Another "Old Union" 
stood on the Amos Denton farm, perhaps older than the 
one at Green Haven. The materials of this were removed 
to the farm of Vincent Williams, and converted into a 
barn, where it still stands, good to battle with the storms 
of a half century to come. 

57 



Historical Record 
WAPPINGER 

The town of Wappinger, originally a part of the town 
of Fishkill, was erected May 20, 1875, and lies wholly 
within the limits of the Rombout patent granted in 1685. 
Territorially it is the smallest town in Dutchess county, 
covering 16,025 acres, but in point of population and 
industrial activity it is one of the most important. 

Wappingers Falls, the principal village in the town, is 
situated at the head of navigation on Wappinger creek, 
about two miles above its confluence with the Hudson, 
and the same distance from New Hamburgh, a station 
on the N. Y. C. & H. R. railroad, with which it is 
connected by stage. An electric railway connects the 
village with the city of Poughkeepsie. 

The village lies on both sides of the creek, having been 
made to include the village of Channingville, in the town 
of Poughkeepsie, by its incorporation, September 22, 
1871. 

Among the earliest landholders within the present 
town limits were the Van Benschotens at New Hacken- 
sack. John Montross, Gideon Ver Valin, Johannes 
Schurrie, Adolphus Brewer, John Schuyler, Samuel 
Bayard and Joseph Vail were early settlers. Later 
arrivals were Peter Mesier, John Hughson and Rev. 
William Seward. Mesier came in 1777 and purchased 
422 acres of land from Nicholas Brewer, which included 
the house now known as the Mesier Mansion in the 
village park at Wappingers Falls. 

The freshet of 1819 destroyed many mills on the 
banks of the Wappinger, and carried away the Main 
street bridge at the Falls. It was replaced in 1852 by a 
stone bridge, thirty feet wide, which in 1884 was widened 

58 



Dutchess County 

to sixty feet. A freshet in 1841 swept away Given's 
cotton mill and the print works dam. 

In 1832 James Ingham established a plant for calico 
printing, subsequently known as the Dutchess Print 
Works. Thomas Garner became the principal owner. 
In 1910 the property was sold to the Deering Co. The 
Franklindale Cotton Co. was operated by the Garners 
from 1844 to 1885, when the plant was destroyed by fire. 
It had a capacity of 250,000 yards of cloth per week. 
The overall factory of Sweet, Orr & Co. was founded by 
James Orr in 1871. 

The village of Chelsea, formerly known as Low Point 
or Carthage Landing Postoffice, had at one time a ship- 
yard owned by Cornelius Carman, where sloops and 
steamboats were launched. Its importance as a place 
of river commerce was equal to that of the two landings, 
or docks, at Fishkill, but it could not withstand the com- 
petition with Fishkill Landing after John Peter De Wint 
had completed the Long Dock, about 1815, with facilities 
for the shipment of produce from the back country, 
notwithstanding Chelsea's deep water and other ad- 
vantages. 

In the County Clerk's office at Poughkeepsie there is a 
map made in 1812, entitled "A map of Carthage, in 
Dutchess County, at a place called Low Point, on the 
Hudson, or North River." It shows the plottings of a 
proposed village with several streets, including Liberty, 
Spring, Union, Market and North; also a Broadway. 

Captain Charles P. Adriance, Solomon P. Hopkins 
and Gilbert S. Hopkins conducted a freighting business 
from Low Point until 1856. 

A large flour mill, operated by the late Starr B. Knox, 
stood on the dock. The business proved unsuccessful, 

59 



Historical Record 

and the mill was allowed to fall to ruin. Later an in- 
dustry for the manufacture of cement, for use in the first 
Poughkeepsie bridge, was started here. The business 
was discontinued with the failure of the first bridge pro- 
ject in 1873. 

Among the early residents of the neighborhood was 
Jacob Sebring, who lived in a large white house overlook- 
ing the river, and built a dock where he kept a yacht. 
He died about 1860. His widow, who was formerly Miss 
Margaret Ackerman, survived him for many years, and 
gave the house and land to her nephew, Sebring Acker- 
man. 

Another large house in the village was Gilbert Budd's, 
a cousin of Underhill Budd, whose farm lay in the vicin- 
ity. Gilbert Budd had a lumber yard, and was interested 
in the freighting business. 

WASHINGTON 

The town of Washington occupies a central position 
in the county. Its territory belonged to the tract known 
as the Great Nine Partners Patent. It was reduced to its 
present limits of about sixty square miles, when the 
northern part was erected into the town of Stanford, 
March 12, 1793. Millbrook is the principal village. 
Mabbettsville, Oak Summit and Lithgow are hamlets. 

William Thorne, great-great-grandfather of Samuel 
Thorne, the present owner of Thorndale, was one of the 
first settlers of Nine Partners, and was a merchant and 
large landholder. Conrad Ham was another early set- 
tler, and the old home he built six generations ago still 
stands on a lot adjoining the present home of the family. 
The Titus, Coffin, Mitchell, Pinkham, Comstock, Allen, 
Roger, Hull, Coleman, Haight, Haviland and Talcott 

60 



Dutchess County 

families settled in the town previous to 1750. In 1760, 
Samuel Mabbett, a Friend, came to Mechanic and opened 
a store and a tavern. He was a Tory and at the close of 
the Revolution moved to Lansingburgh, N. Y., and his 
son Joseph took the property and continued the business 
until 1795. 

In the autumn of 1796 the famous Nine Partners 
Boarding School was established by Isaac Thorne, Tripp 
Mosher and Joseph Talcott. The property was pur- 
chased from Joseph Mabbett. Land was added from 
time to time; a $10,000 endowment fund was secured, 
and the school prospered until 1828, when the unfortu- 
nate separation in the Friends' Society occurred. The 
school was closed in 1863, and John D. Wing bought the 
property. Among the pupils of this school was Jacob 
Willetts, whose arithmetic passed through many editions 
and was widely used in the schools of the country. 

Millbrook owes its birth to the building of the railroad 
in 1869. It was incorporated December 31, 1895. It 
has in 1911 about 1200 inhabitants, four churches — 
Friends, Methodist, Catholic and Episcopal. It has 
two school buildings, a bank, a public library housed in a 
beautiful building, forty business places, including 
grocers, plumbers, barbers, butchers, hardware, jewelers, 
druggists, dry goods, etc., etc. It has a Masonic and 
Knights of Pythias Lodge, Knights of Columbus and 
Millbrook Club, Junior Order American Mechanics, a 
Woman's Christian Temperance Union and a weekly 
newspaper. 

Halcyon Hall, built in 1893, was used as a summer 

hotel until 1907, when the property was purchased and 

transformed into a school for girls by Miss M. F. Bennett. 

The town of Washington is fortunate in the men who 

61 



Historical Record 

have come to make their home within its limits in recent 
years. Samuel Thorne and Oakleigh Thorne have 
returned to the land of their ancestors. Charles F. 
Dietrich, whose estate is the most extensive and with its 
many beautiful features is worth a long journey to see; 
the late H. J. Davison, who built Altamont; and the late 
and much lamented Col. Daniel S. Lamont, so widely 
known in public affairs, both in this State and in the 
Nation; Roswell P. Miller, of the Chicago, Milwaukee 
& St. Paul railroad, who has built a fine "Colonial" 
mansion; H. R. McLane, a Brooklyn gentlemen of lit- 
erary and artistic taste; Harry Harkness Flagler, whose 
interest and co-operation in local affairs has been con- 
stant, and who is a member of the Board of Education, 
an active trustee of the Library Association, president 
and chief promoter of the Millbrook Choral Society, and 
a supporter of everything that pertains to the general 
good of the community; the late Captain R. S. Hayes, 
in whose memory the library was erected; Miss Mary 
Lenox Kennedy, whose mother was a member of that 
fine old family so identified with the religious, literary, 
educational, philanthropic and civic life of New York 
City; Charles Clinton Marshall, whose ancestors have 
been in Dutchess county since Revolutionary days; 
G. Howard Davison, whose stock farm is famous for its 
horses, cattle and sheep: — these are some of the "Mill- 
brook Colony" to whom the town has proved attractive 
on account of its healthy climate and scenic beauty. 



62 



CHAPTER III 

THE COUNTY OF PUTNAM 

GENERAL VIEW 

THIS county was formed from Dutchess, June 12, 
1812. It lies upon the Hudson, between 41° 
20' and 41° 30' north latitude, and 2° 56' and 
3° 26' east longitude, from Washington. It is bounded 
on the north by the county of Dutchess; east, by the 
State of Connecticut; south, by the county of West- 
chester; and west by the Hudson River. Its area is 
about 234 square miles. 

It contains six towns, viz: Carmel, Kent, Patterson, 
Philipstown, Putnam Valley and Southeast. It was 
originally called the South Precinct of Dutchess County, 
and about 1740, the Fredericksburgh Precinct, which 
embraced the whole of Putnam. As early as 1772, the 
present town of Philipstown, including Putnam Valley, 
was erected into a precinct by the name of "Philipse 
Precinct." In 1773, the town of Southeast was orga- 
nized as a separate precinct, by the name of the "South- 
east Precinct." This left in the Fredericksburgh Pre- 
cinct only the towns of Carmel, Kent and Patterson. 
March 7, 1788, the term precinct was dropped, and 
Philipse Precinct was called Philipstown; Southeast 
Precinct, Southeast town; Fredericksburgh Precinct, 
Frederick's town. 

Carmel and Patterson were organized in 1795 from 
Frederick's town. This left Frederick's town embracing 
only the present town of Kent, which name was given to 

63 



Historical Record 

it in honor of the Kent family. Patterson was organized 
by the name of "Franklin," March 17, 1795, and its name 
was changed April 6, 1808. Putnam Valley was formed 
from Philipstown, as "Quincy," March 14, 1839. Its 
name was changed in 1840. 

The eastern part of the county is uneven and hilly, 
yet very productive, and under a high state of cultiva- 
tion. The central and western portions are broken by 
high hills and mountain elevations. The Highlands 
stretch across its west end. Their altitude is estimated 
at 1,500 feet above the level of the Hudson. The moun- 
tains consist of several steep, rocky ranges, separated by 
deep, narrow valleys, the principal of which are Peekskill 
Hollow, and Canopus and Pleasant Valleys. The 
county is watered by the upper branches of Croton River 
and several smaller streams, the principal one being 
Muscoot river. Among the mountain valleys are num- 
erous picturesque lakes, the largest of which are Lakes 
Mahopac, Oscawana, and Gleneida. In the valleys the 
soil is a productive, sandy loam, but the mountains are 
bare and rocky, and only valuable for their mines and 
quarries. Iron is found in abundance; and serpentine, 
magnesian limestone, and several other minerals are 
also found. Peat and marl are found in various local- 
ities. 

THE PHILIPSE PATENT. 

In 1691, Lambert Dorlandt and Jan Sebring, emigrants 
who came from Holland in the early days of New Amster- 
dam, obtained from the Indians a deed for a tract of land 
which included the western part of the present county 
of Putnam, having first obtained the license of Governor 
Sloughter for that purpose. The purchasers of this tract 
did not obtain a patent for the land from the governor, 

64 




/rur//// , 'V. ^Jjfff/rr/// 



Putnam County 

but transferred and sold all their right to the premises 
to Adolph Philipse, a merchant then residing in the city 
of New York (1697). The land thus purchased com- 
prised "a certain tract of land in our Dutchess county, 
scituate lyeing and being in the Highlands on the East 
side of Hudson's River beginning at a certain Red Cedar 
Tree marked on the North side of the Hill commonly 
called Anthonys Nose, which is Likewise the North 
Bounds of Collonell Stevanus Cortlandts land or his 
Manour of Cortlandt, and from thence bounded by the 
said Hudson's River as the said river runs northerly until 
it come to the Creek River or Run of Water commonly 
called and known by the name of Great fishkill to the 
Northward and above the said Highlands, which is like- 
wise the Southward bounds of another Tract of Land 
belonging to the said Coll Stephanus Cortlandt and 
Company, and so Easterly along the said Coll Cortlandts 
line and the South bounds of Coll Henry Beekman until 
it comes twenty Miles, or until the Division or Petition 
Line between our Colony of Connecticutt and our said 
Province, and Easterly by the said Division Line, being 
bounded Northerly and Southerly by East and West 
Lines unto the said Division line between our said 
Collony of Connecticutt and this our Province aforesaid, 
the whole being bounded Westward by the said Hudson 
River, Northward by the land of Coll Cortlandt and 
Company and the land of Coll Beekman, Eastward by the 
Partition line between our Collony of Connecticutt and 
this our Province, and Southerly by the Mannour of 
Courtlandt to the land of the said Coll Cortlandt, in- 
cluding therein a certaine Island at the North side of the 
said Highlands called Pollepells Island." 

65 



Historical Record 

Adolph Philipse having thus acquired the title from 
the original owners, proceeded at once to take the nec- 
essary steps for obtaining a patent for his lands, and 
presented a petition to Benjamin Fletcher, who was then 
governor of the Province of New York, which was granted 
June 17, 1697. While the Indian deed to Dorlandt and 
Sebring and the subsequent transfers only conveyed the 
land extending back from the Hudson River to a marked 
tree on the line of the Rombout Patent, or "Land of 
Cortlandt and Company," the patent of Governor 
Fletcher conveyed all the land between the river and the 
boundary line between New York and Connecticut. To 
confirm his title to this additional tract Adolph Philipse 
obtained a new Indian deed in 1702. 

Adolph Philipse continued in the full possession of 
his Highland patent till the time of his death, which 
occurred in the latter part of the year 1749. He died 
without issue, leaving his estate to his nephew, Frederick 
Philipse. The latter had five children, — Frederick, 
Philip, Susannah, Mary and Margaret. By his will, 
dated June 6, 1751, Frederick was disinherited, and, 
Margaret dying young, the property was equally divided 
among the remaining three. Philip left a widow, who 
married one Ogilvie; Susannah married Beverly Robin- 
son, and Mary married Col. Roger Morris. On the 7th 
of February, 1754, the patent was divided into nine lots; 
three, each 4 miles square, bordering upon the Hudson and 
denominated "water lots;" three, each 4 miles wide by 
12 long, extending north and south across the patent, 
and denominated "long lots;" and three, each 4 miles 
square, upon the east border, denominated "back lots." 
Philip, Susannah, and Mary Philipse each owned one of 
each kind of lots. (See map on opposite page.) 

66 




VS-PAttS^ 



Historical Record 

On the 14th of January, 1758, previous to the marriage 
of Mary, a deed of marriage settlement was executed, by 
which her estate was vested in such children as might be 
born under the marriage, reserving only to herself and hus- 
band a life interest in the property. When Robinson and 
Morris and their wives were attainted for treason, 
October 22, 1779, their property was sold, chiefly to the 
former tenants. 

In 1809, John Jacob Astor bought the interest of the 
heirs of Morris in this property for £20,000. The State 
to protect those who held title from the Commissioners 
of Forfeiture, passed a law, April 16, 1827, "To extin- 
guish the claim of John Jacob Astor and others, and to 
quiet the possession of certain lands in the counties of 
Putnam and Dutchess." By the provisions of this act 
it was agreed that if the United States Supreme Court 
should decide in favor of the Astor's claim, then the State 
should pay in extinguishment of the title the sum of 
$250,000, and if the Court should decide that Astor was 
entitled to the lands with all the improvements, then the 
State should pay the sum of $450,000, and the act to be 
in force in case Astor and his associates should accept 
these terms in a formal manner, within the term of six 
months after its passage, and as a test of the claim, five 
suits in ejectment should be prosecuted to judgment in 
the Circuit Court of the United States, and the judgments 
presented by writs of error to the Supreme Court for final 
determination, and if any three of the five suits should be 
decided in the favor of Astor he should be entitled to the 
sum named, which should be paid in certificates of public 
stock. 

These terms were not accepted, and suit was begun 
against James Carver, who was in possession of a farm 

68 



Putnam County 

on Lot 5. The case came to trial in the U. S. Circuit 
Court in New York, November 7, 1827. 

Three suits were tried, each resulting in favor of Astor; 
upon which the comptroller was directed to issue stock for 
the full amount, with costs (April 5, 1832). The amount 
issued was $561,500. Astor thereupon executed proper 
discharges to the people of the State, and to the defend- 
ants, James Carver, Samuel Kelly and Nathaniel Crane, 
in satisfaction of judgment. 

Few suits have been tried in the State involving larger 
interests to greater numbers, or which were argued with 
more ability than this. In the suit against James Carver, 
the counsel for the plaintiff were Messrs. J. Ogden 
Hoffman, Oakley, Emmett, Piatt, and Ogden; and for 
the defendant, Messrs. Talcott (Attorney General), 
Webster, Van Buren and Cowls. 

THE ROMBOUT GORE. 

This Gore was a tract of land to the north of the 
Philipse Patent, and was for many years a source of 
dispute and litigation between the Philipse family and 
the owners of the Rombout and Beekman Patents, which 
adjoined them on the north. The dispute arose, not 
from uncertainty as to the bounds of the Philipse Patent, 
but from the peculiar manner in which the south lines of 
the Rombout and Beekman Patents were described. 
The south bounds of the Rombout Patent are thus defined : 
"Also from the said Fish kill or creek called Mateawan, 
along the said Fish kill into the woods at the foot of the 
High Hills, including all the reed or low lands at the south 
side of said creek, with an easterly line four hours going, 
sixteen English miles." The Philipse family claimed 
that by the terms of the Rombout Patent the Fishkill 

69 



Historical Record 

Creek was its south boundary and, as the Philipse Patent 
was bounded on the north by that patent, it followed 
that the Fishkill was their northern boundary. Again as 
the Beekman Patent was said to be "on the north 
side of the Highlands" and they were bounded north by 
the Beekman Patent, it followed that they owned all the 
land south of the north line of the mountains. On the 
other hand the proprietors of both the Rombout and 
Beekman Patents claimed that the north line of the 
Philipse Patent was a due east line from the mouth of the 
Fishkill and that their southern boundaries extended 
to it. 

After a long controversy the dispute was settled, 
January 26, 1771. At that time the contest was be- 
tween Lawrence Lawrence, who owned one-third of the 
share of Jacobus Kip in the Rombout Patent, and the 
heirs of Frederick Philipse. The matter was left to the 
decision of William Nicoll and Thomas Hicks. They 
decided that the true line was (that) "a line should begin 
at the northern extent of the bushes or shrubs upon 
Plum Point : beginning the south side of the mouth of the 
Fishkill, and should run from thence East 6 degrees 
North, as the Compass now points, 16 miles, and that 
the said line shall forever hereafter be and remain the 
boundary." 

At the time of the Revolution this Gore or triangular 
tract was owned by Beverly Robinson, Roger Morris 
and Philip Philipse. The shares of the first two were 
confiscated, and by a law passed in 1784, the tract was 
divided into three lots, of which the State of New York 
had two, and the heirs of Philip Philipse had one. The 
lot of the Philipse family lay next to the east line of the 
Rombout Patent and was 115 chains wide at the east end, 

70 



Putnam County 

the course of the east line being north 25 degrees 30 
minutes west. This lot is the southern corner of the 
town of East Fishkill. From the Philipse papers it is 
found that the cost of their claim to this Gore was 
£1,818 12s. 

THE BEEKMAN GORE. 

As has been stated, the owners of the Philipse Patent 
claimed that the Beekman Patent lay to the north of the 
Highlands, and consequently covered no portion of the 
mountains, while the Beekmans claimed that their south 
boundary should be a line running due east from the 
south side of the mouth of Fishkill. The controversy 
lasted for many years, and finally was settled by a com- 
promise. On the 18th of January, 1758, Beverly 
Robinson, Susannah Robinson, Philip Philipse and Mary 
Philipse on the one part, and Henry Beekman, Catharine 
Pawling and Robert Livingston on the other part, 
mutually agreed that a line should be run " f rom Matea- 
wan or the mouth of Fishkill as the Compass now points 
due east to the Oblong." From this point on the Oblong 
a line was to be run northerly along the Oblong line, 200 
chains, and from thence "a due west line as the Compass 
now points," to the rear of the Rombout Patent, and this 
last line should be the boundary between the parties. 
Samuel Willis, of Hempstead, Long Island, was em- 
ployed as the surveyor, and the north line is thus des- 
cribed: — " Began on the Oblong line at a large heap of 
stones set up which bears N. 25 degrees west, 38 links 
from a large rock on which are cut the letters H. B. B. 
R. P. P.; a new house erected by Daniel Chase bears the 
same course the rock does. From thence due west, the 
line runs about 12 feet south of Wm. Hunt's spring or 

71 



Historical Record 

fountain, where Col. Henry Beekman made the letters 
H. B., on the rock out of which the water of the spring 
runs. Said line also crosses a pretty large pond in the 
mountains, a little south of the middle. On the east 
shore a monument is set up about 2 chains south of one 
Baker's house standing in a hollow." The Gore thus 
obtained was surveyed into farms by Jonathan Hampton 
and leased and sold to various parties. Like the other, 
this Gore was divided after the Revolution, between the 
heirs of Philip Philipse and the State of New York, the 
State taking the confiscated shares of Beverly Robinson 
and Roger Morris. 

THE OBLONG. 

This is a tract of land one mile, three quarters and 
twenty rods wide, commencing in the town of Rye, in 
Westchester county, and running north through the 
counties of Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess. It 
contains 61,440 acres. It was in dispute between the 
officials of New Netherland and the United English 
Colonies. An effort to adjust the difficulty was made at 
Hartford, September 19, 1650, by representatives of both 
governments, but agreements then arrived at were not 
adhered to. When the English superseded the Dutch 
in 1664, commissioners were appointed by Charles II 
of England, who determined on a line parallel with 
the Hudson and twenty miles distant from it on the east. 
This line gave rise to a dispute respecting the right of 
government over the towns of Rye and Bedford in 
Westchester county. Another agreement was concluded 
in 1683, and these towns were adjudged to be subject 
to New York government, and confirmed by the Crown, 
March 28, 1700. In 1717, the government of New York 

72 




EDWARD ELSWORTH 



Putnam County 

took steps to have the line determined, and made an 
effort to get Connecticut to unite in the undertaking. 
In 1725 the Commissioners and surveyors of both 
colonies met at Greenwich, and entered into an agreement 
as to a method of resurveying the line. This survey 
was immediately after executed in part, the report being 
dated on the 12th of May, 1725, but the complete settle- 
ment was not made till the 14th of May, 1731, when 
indentures, certifying the execution of the agreement in 
1725, were mutually signed by the commissioners and 
surveyors of both colonies. At this time the tract 
known as the Oblong was ceded to New York in con- 
sideration of another tract near Long Island Sound, sur- 
rendered to Connecticut. 

Further disputes arose in regard to surveying the 
boundary and marking it with suitable monuments. 
Finally a survey was made in 1860 which was subse- 
quently agreed to by both States. 

The Oblong was patented by Thomas Hawley and his 
associates, June 8, 1731. 

THE WAPPINGER INDIANS 
AND THEIR CONTROVERSY WITH THE HEIRS 
OF ADOLPH PHILIPSE 

The Indians who inhabited the shores of the Hudson 
River were of one race and of one language, with the 
exception of slight dialetic peculiarities. Under the name 
of Algonquins were included the various tribes that 
inhabited New England, Long Island, the eastern portion 
of New York and regions to the south. The tribe that 
claimed the land now embraced in Dutchess and Putnam 
and extending to the north as far as Roeliff Jansen's Kill, 

73 



Historical Record 

in Columbia county, were known as the Wappingers, 
one of the tribal divisions of the Mohicans. 

The Wappingers were divided into chieftaincies, and 
of these one was the Nochpeems, who were said to occupy 
the highlands north of Anthony's Nose. Von der Donck, 
one of the earliest writers on this portion of the country, 
assigns them three villages on the Hudson : Keskistkonck, 
Pasquasheck and Nochpeems; but their principal village 
was Canopus, which was situated in a valley which is one 
of the most important topographical features of Putnam 
county, and known as Canopus Hollow. The principal 
residence of the tribe was north of the Highlands, and on 
the borders of the Wappingers Creek; but they were 
generally included in the name of Highland Indians. 

Of all their possessions there are but few perfect 
transfer titles on record and one is a deed by which 
" Sackereghkigh for himself and in the name of Megrieskin 
Sachem of the Wappingers Indians," and other Indians 
sold the land included in the Rombout Patent. The 
original deed by which the land in Putnam county was 
conveyed to Dorland and Sebring, who transferred their 
title to Adolph Philipse, is still in existence, and our 
knowledge of the facts connected with it is derived not 
only from this, but from the statements made in the 
documents concerning the claim of the Sachem David 
Ninham. All mention of this tribe seems to indicate that 
they were of a warlike and savage nature. At the time 
of the outbreak of war against the Dutch, in 1643, 
"Pachem a crafty man, ran through all the villages 
urging the Indians to a general massacre. The first 
aggressive act was by the Wappingers, who seized a boat 
coming from Fort Orange, killed two men and took four 
hundred beaver skins." It was only after a sanguinary 

74 



Putnam County 

struggle that the various tribes were subdued, and in 
1645, a treaty was concluded between the Dutch and the 
various River Indians, among whom were included the 
"Wappinex." This treaty continued till the time of the 
English conquest, though they were frequently encour- 
aged to unite with other tribes in a general revolt. 
After the conquest of 1664, every effort was made by the 
English to remove the cause which had led to so much 
trouble under the Dutch, and one agreement, which was 
of the greatest importance, was that no purchase of land 
of the Indians should be esteemed a good title, without 
leave first had been obtained from the governor, and 
that after such leave the purchaser should bring before 
the governor "the Sachem or right owner," to acknowl- 
edge satisfaction and payment, when all proceedings 
should be entered on record, and constitute a valid title. 
The adherence of the Indians to the English is shown by 
the fact that in the war with the French nation, the 
Wappingers, or "Indians of the long reach" as they were 
called, accepted an invitation to take part in the war, 
and with their head sachem and all the males of the 
tribe able to bear arms, went to Albany and thence to the 
field. Throughout the long struggle between the French 
and the English, the Wappingers bore an important part. 
Moving their families to Stockbridge, they furnished a 
corps of about three hundred in the war of 1754, and after 
the war "they demanded restitution from the Abenaquis 
for the loss of one of their number, and delayed the 
consummation of peace with them till 1762." 

Upon their return from war the Wappingers found 
their lands in the possession of tenants of the heirs of 
Adolph Philipse, and this led to a controversy of historic 
interest. 

75 



Historical Record 

In 1763 a number of the Philipse tenants renounced 
their leases, and bargained with the Indians to continue 
the occupancy of the land. They refused to pay further 
rent to those claiming ownership under the patentee, 
whereupon ejectment suits were brought, resulting in 
the ousting of the occupants. 

But the defeated tenant was invariably irresponsible, 
the Indians more so, and, though successful from a 
legal point of view, the Philipse representatives found 
themselves put to great and increasing harassment 
and expense. Suits at law having thus proved an 
inefficient remedy, under advice of their counsel, William 
Livingston and James Duane — both soon to become so 
famous — they decided to appeal to the Chancery juris- 
diction. Under the then charter the Governor in 
Council constituted the High Court of Chancery of 
the colony, and on the 6th day of February, 1765, 
a petition was presented to this tribunal for the in- 
terposition of the Board and "such relief in the premises 
as to his Honour shall seem fit and reasonable." The 
prerogative of the Crown was held sacred and the pro- 
duction of the royal grant an absolute bar at law and in 
equity to any proceeding in derogation of the title pur- 
porting to be thereby granted, except one — an appeal 
to the representative of the Crown, and, upon suggestion 
of abuse of the royal confidence, a proceeding to have the 
patent annulled by a new exercise of the prerogative. 
Such an appeal was made by the Indians. The Philipse 
representatives were summoned forthwith and a trial 
immediately had. The Indians were beaten, but not 
discouraged, and attempted to secure the assistance of Sir 
William Johnson who had so successfully intermediated 
in controversies between the Indian tribes and the 

76 




ARTHUR G.TOBEY 






Putnam County 

English. But he declined to interfere. Ninham, the 
Indian king, then went to England and presented his 
claims to the Lords of Trade, who communicated in 
regard to the matter with the Colonial Governor, Sir 
Henry Moore. In his report to the Lords of Trade, 
Governor Moore wrote that the proceedings lately had 
in regard to the Wappinger Indians had been "thorough- 
ly examined in the presence of a great concourse of 
people." In this examination they had been given every 
opportunity and no advantage was taken of technical 
points or their ignorance of legal matters. He also 
reports that in 1776 riots had occurred in Dutchess 
county, and great disturbance, the Indians being at the 
bottom of it. It was reported, and he believed with 
* truth, that the Indians were in the habit of selling their 
lands over and over again, to any who were willing to 
purchase. The Lords of Trade also reported in regard 
to the petition of the Indians. It is also stated that the 
Indians had previously chosen a guardian, and brought 
their case before the courts, and were defeated in the 
trial; that they had then appealed to the Governor and 
Council, who reported that the claim was groundless and 
that the lands were fairly sold. 

In the Revolution Ninham and his warriors took an 
active part. Some sixty of them, expert marksmen and 
skilled in war, joined the American forces and fought 
with a bravery and valor worthy of their ancient race 
in the days of their glory. Active in the campaigns of 
1777, they joined Washington again in the spring of the 
following year, and were detached with the forces under 
LaFayette, to check the depredations of the British 
army on its retreat from Philadelphia, and they were 
afterwards transferred to Westchester county, the scene 

77 



Historical Record 

of some of the most hotly contested struggles of the war. 

It was on the 30th of August, 1778, that Ninham and 
his warrior band went forth to the field of their last 
battle. On that day they met with a scouting party of 
British under Colonel Emerick, and after a fierce engage- 
ment were compelled to retreat. On the following morn- 
ing the whole of the British force at Kings Bridge was 
ordered out and the larger part was placed in an ambus- 
cade, while Emerick was sent forward to decoy his 
assailants of the previous day. In the extreme northern 
part of the annexed portion of the city of New York is a 
stream that has borne from the earliest times the name of 
Tippets Brook. The wooded heights and the banks of the 
stream were the scenes of a most sanguinary conflict. The 
attempt to draw the Indians into the ambuscade failed, 
and upon their advance the British troops had scarecly 
time to fall into rank. The Indians lined the fences and 
commenced firing upon the forces under Colonel Emerick. 
The Queen's Rangers moved rapidly to gain the heights, 
and Tarleton advanced with the Hussars and his famous 
Legion of Cavalry. This being reported to Lieutenant- 
Colonel Simcoe, he directed Major Ross to conduct his 
corps on the heights, and advancing to the road arrived 
within ten yards of Ninham and his men. Up to this 
time they had been intent on the attack upon Colonel 
Emerick. They now gave a yell and fired on the advanc- 
ing enemy and wounded five, including Colonel Simcoe. 

They were driven from the fence, and Tarleton rushed 
upon them with his cavalry and pursued them down 
Cortlandt's Ridge. Here Tarleton himself had a narrow 
escape. Striking at one of the fugitives, he lost his 
balance and fell from his horse. Fortunately for him the 
Indian had no bayonet and his musket was discharged. 

78 



Putnam County 

A captain of a company of American soldiers was taken 
prisoner with some of his men, and a company under 
Major Stewart, who afterwards distinguished himself at 
the storming of Stony Point, left the Indians and fled. 
The engagement was renewed with the fiercest vigor. 
The cavalry charged the ridge with overwhelming num- 
bers, but were bravely resisted. As the cavalry rode 
them down, the Indians seizing their foes, dragged them 
from their horses, to join them in death. In a swamp, 
not far from the brook, Ninham made his last stand. 
When he saw the Grenadiers closing upon him and all 
hope of successful resistance gone he called out to his 
people to flee, but as for himself, "I am an aged tree, I 
will die here." Being attacked by Simcoe he wounded 
that officer, but was shot and killed by Wright, his 
orderly Hussar. In this fray the power of the tribe was 
forever broken. More than forty of the Indians were 
killed or desperately wounded. 

From that time the Wappingers ceased to have a name 
in history. A few scattered remnants still remained, 
and as late as 1811, a small band had their dwelling place 
on a low tract of land by the side of a brook, under a 
high hill, in the northern part of the town of Kent. 



79 



CHAPTER IV 
PIONEER SETTLERS. 

IN 1723 the whole population of Dutchess county was 
reported to be 1,083. What is now Putnam county 
was included in the "South Ward," and the fol- 
lowing list gives the names of the taxable inhabitants 
in that district, at that time. 

"The Inhabitants, Residents, and Freeholders of 
Dutchess County (South Ward) are rated and assessed 
by ye assessors for the same the 16th day of Jan. Annoque 
Dom. 1723-4: Juerie Springsteen, 9 pounds; Joseph 
Arkils, 6; Isaac Hardicke, 14; Peter DuBois, 25 ; Robert 
Denze, 7; Johannes Peter, 5; Johannes Mettler, 10; 
James Hussey, 25 ; The widow of Gerrit Veldit, 25; John 
Buys, 8; John Montross, 14; Abraham Buys, 9; Jo- 
hannes Buys, 9; Jacobus Swartwout, 12; Francis De 
Lange, 23; Daniel Boss, 15; Jacob Mousuer, 6; John 
Schouten, 12; Peter Lassink, 20; Lawrence Lassink, 8; 
Jury Mousuer, 5; Alexander Grigs, 5; Peter Arkils, 10; 
Peter Stringal, 5; Johannes Osterom, 5; Henderick 
Boss, 5; Rich. Lounsbury, 5; The widow of Roger Brett, 
deceased, 50; Nicholas Walder, 7; Hendrick Philipse, 8; 
The widow of Everet Jong, 5; Johannes Ter Boss, 32; 
and for the land of Mr. Andrew Teller in his possession, 
18, in all 50; Johannes Ter Boss, Jr., 12; John De 
Lange, 5; Andrus Frederick Peck, 9; Jans Snider, 110; 
The widow of Simon Schouten, 16; Wm. Lassink, 11; 

80 









/ 



r 



Putnam County 

David Brill, 5; Isaack Lassing, 8; Wm. Schut, 8; Jacob- 
us Ter Boss, 5; Cornelius Bogardus, 5; Jan Crankhyt Jr., 
6; Tax, £27, 3s; £543." 

The list is small, but small as it is none of the 
persons named is positively known to have been liv- 
ing on the Philipse Patent. In the statement of 
David Ninham, the Indian sachem, presented to the 
Governor and Council, in 1765, it is stated that about 
forty years before, sundry persons began to settle 
upon the land as tenants of Adolph Philipse, and it also 
seems that some whites were settlers on the land as 
tenants of the Indians themselves. It seems to be well 
established that as early as 1740 there was quite a num- 
ber of inhabitants. The fact that when the survey and 
division of the patent was made in 1754, an "Old Meeting 
house" standing in the northwest corner of Lot 9 is 
mentioned as a landmark, would indicate a population 
sufficiently large to establish a church at least twenty 
years before that date. These were the Englishmen 
who came from Connecticut and Long Island. About 
1740 there was a large number of families who emigrated 
to this region from Cape Cod. Others came from the 
bordering towns in Connecticut, while the Townsends, 
Holmes, Fields and Hortons are prominent examples of 
the families who came from Lo. g Island. 

The lands on the tract called the Oblong, next to the 
Connecticut line, were speedily settled, it is said, because 
lands could be purchased, with an indisputable title. 
It was not the policy of the owners of the Philipse Patent 
to sell their lands, and so far as ascertained a tract of 
245 acres sold by Colonel Morris and his wife to William 

81 



Historical Record 

Hill, in 1765, was the first tract that was actually sold out 
of the whole patent. The various lots were surveyed 
and divided into farms of various sizes, and leased to 
tenants who paid an annual rent. In some cases the 
leases were given in perpetuity, and when the owner sold 
portions of his farm, he took care to charge the part sold 
with a due proportion of the rent as a part of the consider- 
ation. The following affidavit shows the names of some 
of the early settlers: 

"AFFIDAVIT OF TIMOTHY SHAW, 1767. 

"Sworn says that he formerly was a tenant under 
Adolph Philipse deceased within the Patent commonly 
called the Upper Patent, being the land now claimed by 
Beverly Robinson, Roger Morris and Philip Philipse, 
and that he is very well acquainted with all the settle- 
ments that have been made in the said Upper Patent, 
within the last twenty-five years. That when he first 
became acquainted with the said Upper Patent the 
following persons were settled thereon and held as he 
understood from them as tenants under Adolph Philipse, 
to wit Philip Minthorne, Elisha Tompkins, John Tomp- 
kins, Wm. Hunt, Daniel Townsend, John Dickenson, 
James Dickenson, John Sprague, Wm. Sturdevant, Ira 
Hill, Moses Northrup Sen., Thomas Philipse, George 
Hughson, James McCrady, Samuel Fields, Amos Dicken- 
son, Hezekiah Wright, Jeremiah Calkins, John Calkins, 
Joseph Porter, Ichabod Vickery, Ebenezer King, Samuel 
Jones, James Paddock, Peter Paddock, David Paddock, 
John Eagleston, two brothers of the name of Bircham, 
John Kiel, Wm. Bardsley, Thomas Kirkam, Nathaniel 

m 



Putnam County 

Robinson, one Cole, Wm. Smith, John Smith, Nathaniel 
Underhill, Edward Stevens, one Barton, John Reynolds, 
and a great many other persons, and this deponent 
really believes that there were upward of three hundred 
settlers on said Patent (as tenants of the Philipse family) 
upward of three miles from Hudson river, before the year 
1756. That either two or three years ago, in the winter 
season the said Philip Philipse was at the house of Uriah 
Lawrence one of the tenants, where Daniel Ninham, the 
Indian together with at least 300 persons chiefly tenants 
of said Philipse were assembled, and that the said 
Philipse then and there in his hearing and in the hearing 
of as many as could conveniently crowd near enough to 
hear what passed, asked the said Ninham where the 
lands were which he claimed, whereupon the said Ninham 
said that he had no lands. Upon which the said Philip 
Philipse asked the said Ninham, why he made such a 
Rout among the tenants, to which he answered, that he 
was told to do so by Stephen Cowenham and One Pound 
pocktwo and other Indians. That the said Ninham 
never to his knowledge lived within the bounds of the said 
Patent, and that all the Indians who formerly lived in the 
Patent had abandoned it long before the year 1756, and 
settled as this deponent has been informed beyond 
Minnisink, near Delaware. 

HIS 
TIMOTHY X SHAW. 
Mark. 
" Done this 6th day of March ) 
1767 before me ) 

"DANIEL HORSMANDEN." 

83 



Historical Record 



TAX LIST OF PHILIPSE PATENT, 1777 



Adams, Thomas 
Agard, John 
Agor, Charles 
Aikin, David, Jr. 
Aikins, David 
Aikins, Joseph 
Airs, Richard 
Anderson, Nathaniel 
Angevine, Peter 
Anwah, Charles 
Archer, Gabriel 
Arkill, Widow 
Armstrong, Jacob 
Armstrong, John 
Arnold, Edward 
Arnold, Joseph 
Arnold, Richard 
Arvah, Charles 
Arvah, Peter 
Austin, Charity 
Austin, Isaac 
Austin, Jonathan 
Austin, Silas 
Avery, John 
Avery, Micaiah 
Badeau, Peter 
Bailey, Peleg 
Baker, Josiah 
Baker, Phineas 
Baker, Stephen 
Baldwin, Elisha 



Baldwin, James 
Baldwin, Thomas 
Bangs, Samuel 
Bard, Joseph 
Barnum, Asa 
Barnum, Eliakin 
Barnum, Joshua, Jr. 
Barret, James 
Barrett, John 
Barrit, James, Jr. 
Barrit, John, Jr. 
Barrit, Marcus 
Barrit, William 
Barritt, Isaac 
Barton, John 
Bashford, James 
Bashford, Thomas 
Bates, Isaac 
Bates, John 
Batner, Edmund 
Baxter, Thomas 
Beaman, Joshua 
Beardsley, Andrew 
Benedict, Ebenezer 
Benedict, Matthew 
Benedict, Samuel 
Benjamin, Elias 
Bennet, Isaiah 
Bennett, Ebenezer 
Bentinck, George 
Berry, Jabez 



84 



Pu 

Bill, Peter 
Birdsall, Benjamin 
Birdsall, James 
Birdsall, John 
Birdsall, Nathan 
Birdsall, Thomas 
Birger, John 
Birger, Peter 
Bloomer, Benjamin 
Bloomer, Gilbert 
Boice, John 
Booth, Stephen 
Borland, Joel 
Briady, William 
Brewer, Peter 

Briggs, Zebulon 

Brinkerhoff, Col. 
Brown, Captain 
Brown, Ebenezer 
Brown, John 
Brundage, Caleb 
Brundage, Daniel 
Brundage, Daniel, Jr. 
Brundage, Joshua 
Brundage, Marcus 
Bryant, Joshua 
Bryant, Thomas 
Budd, Elijah 
Budd, Gilbert 
Bugbee, Daniel 
Bugbee, Ezekiel 
Bull, Daniel 
Bump, Matthew 



tnam County 

Bunker, Peter 
Bunn, Reuben 
Burdock, Joshua 
Burgess, Jeremiah 
Burgess, Thomas 
Burgis, Matthew 
Burlison, Eleagar 
Burtis, Daniel 
Burtis, Joseph 
Burtis, Samuel 
Byington, Solomon 
Calkins, James 
Calkins, William 
Carl, James 
Carl, Samuel 
Carl, Thomas 
Carl, Thomas, Jr. 
Carl, William 
Carpenter, John 
Chadwick, Comfort 
Chapman, Isaac 
Chapman, Peter 
Chapman, Richard 
Charlock, Henry 
Chase, Isaac 
Chase, Jabish 
Chase, Obadiah 
Chase, Reuben 
Chatterton, William 
Cheeseman, Benjamin 
Clark, John 
Clements, Thomas 
Clinton, William 

85 



Historical Record 



Cole, Ebenezer 
Cole, Elisha 
Colgrove, William 
Colwell, Joseph 
Colwell, William 
Comill, John 
Comstock, Thomas 
Conklin, Joshua 
Conklin, Stephen 
Conklin, Timothy 

Conon 

Cool, Elisha, Jr. 
Cool, Joseph 
Cool, Nathan 
Corly, John 
Corl, Jonathan 
Covan, James 
Covert, Abraham 
Covey, James 
Cowen, David 
Cox, James 
Craft, Abraham 
Craft, Henry 
Craft, John Thomas 
Craft, William 
Craig, Robert 
Crane, John 
Crane, Joseph 
Crane, Solomon 
Crane, Zebulon 
Crap, John 
Crawford, Daniel 
Crawford, James 



Crommill, Samuel 
Cromwell, Joseph 
Crosby, Abner 
Crosby, Abner, Jr. 
Crosby, David 
Crosby, David, Jr. 
Crosby, Isaac 
Crosby, John 
Crosby, Joshua 
Crosby, Moses 
Crosby, Nathan 
Crosby, Reuben 
Crosby, Theodorus 
Cullen, Charles 
Curry, George, Sr. 
Dakin, Johnson 
Dan, John 
Dan, John, Jr. 
Davenport, Thomas 
Davenport, Thomas, Jr. 
Davenport, William 
Dean, Benjamin 
Dean, Caleb 
Dean, Ezekiel 
Dean, John 
Delavan, Timothy 
Dickenson, Gilbert 
Dickenson, James 
Dickenson, John 
Dickenson, Samuel 
Dickenson, Tertellus 
Dickerson, Nathaniel 
Dimmock, Shubael 



86 



Putn 

Dinge, Elijah 
Dinnis, Richard 
Disbrow, Nathan 
Disbury, Nathan, Jr. 
Doane, Andrew 
Donaldson, Thomas 
Doty, Elijah 
Drake, John 
Drake, Peter 
Drake, Reuben 
Drake, Samuel, Jr. 
Drake, Uriah 
Dubois, Peter 
Dusenbury, Moses 
Dusenbury, Moses, Jr. 
Dutton, William 
Dykeman, Joseph 
Eggleston, James 

Eliston 

Ellis, Jacob 
Ellis, Simeon 
Ellis, Thomas 
Elwell, Isaac 
Elwell, Jabez 
Elwell, John 
Elwell, Samuel 

English 

Everitt, Isaac 
Falconier, William 
Field, Anthony 
Field, John 
Field, Joseph 
Field, Peter 



am County 

Field, Samuel 
Field, Solomon 
Field, Stephen 
Field, William 
Fields, Joseph 
Ford, Jedediah 
Forster, James 
Foster, John 
Foster, John W 7 heeler 
Foster, Nathaniel 
Foster, Nathaniel, Jr. 
Foster, Thomas 
Fowler, Caleb 
Fowler, Christopher 
Fowler, David 
Fowler, Moses 
Fowler, Thomas 
Fox, Oliver 
Frost, David 
Fuller, Cornelius 
Fuller, David 
Fuller, Elijah 
Fuller, Isaac 
Fuller, John 
Fuller, Lemuel 
Fuller, Northrup 
Fuller, Robert 
Furguson, Thomas 
Gage, Anthony 
Gage, Daniel 
Gage, Ebenezer 
Gage, Elihu 
Gage, Mark 

87 




Historical Record 



Gage, Moses 
Gage, Silvanus 
Gage, Thomas 
Gannung, Gilbert 
Gannung, Jacob 
Ganung, Joseph 
Garrison, John 
Gee, Ezekiel 
Gee, William 
Gifford, Samuel 
Golden, Benjamin 
Goremans, Ichabod 
Gray, Benoni 
Gray, John 
Green, Jonathan 
Green, Nathan 
Green, Nathan, Jr. 
Gregory, Daniel 
Gregory, Elnathan 
Gregory, Josiah 
Gregory, Joshua 
Gregory, Russell 
Gregory, Thomas 
Griffin, Daniel 
Griffin, Lazarus, Jr. 
Griffith, Stephen 
Haight, Daniel 
Haight, James 
Haight, John 
Haight, Joseph 
Haight, Samuel 
Haight, Silvanus 
Haines, Mary 



Hains, Asa 
Hall, Isaac 
Hall, Joseph 
Hall, Martin 
Hall, Peter 
Hall, Samuel 
Hall, Thomas 
Hamilton, Doctor 
Hamson, Caleb 
Hannin, David 
Hannin, Thomas 
Harps, Conrad 
Harris, Elisha 
Hatch, Timothy 
Hatfield, Barns 
Hatfield, Peter 
Haviland, Benjamin 
Haviland, Daniel 
Haviland, Isaac 
Haviland, James 
Haviland, John 
Haviland, Roger 
Haviland, Solomon 
Haviland, Thomas 
Hawkins, David 
Hawkins, Joseph 
Hazelton, Martin 
Hazen, Ebenezer 
Heacock, David 
Higbee, William 
Higgins, Benjamin 
Higgins, Thomas 
Hill, David 



88 



Putnam County 



Hill, Noah 
Hill, Widow 
Hill, William 
Hill, Thomas 
Hinkley, Thomas 
Hinman, Zachariah 
Hitchcock, Joseph 
Hitchcock, Joseph, Jr. 
Holliday, John 
Honeywell, Richard 
Hopkins, Benjamin 
Hopkins, Isaiah 
Hopkins, John 
Hopkins, Jonathan 
Hopkins, Joseph 
Hopkins, Solomon 
Hopper, John 
Hopper, Richard 
Horton, Samuel 
Horton, Thomas 
Howse, Moody 
Hudden, William 
Hughson, Jeremiah 
Hughson, Robert 
Hughson, William 
Humstead, Ebenezer 
Humstead, Ichabod 
Humstead, Nathaniel 
Husted, Joseph 
Hyatt, Stephen 
Jagger, Nathaniel 
Jaycocks. James 
Jean, John 



Jenkins, Nathaniel 
Jenkins, Samuel 
Jenkins, Solomon 
Jones, Elias 
Jones, Ephriam 
Jones, Josiah 
Jones, Nehemiah 
Jones, Samuel 
Jones, Theophilus 
Jones, Widow 
Jones, William 
June, John 
Kelley, John 
Kelley, Jonathan 
Kelley, Thomas 
Kelly, David 
Kelly, Reuben 
Kelly, Silvanus 
Kelly, Zebedee 
Kent, Moss 
Ketchum, Daniel 
Kidd, Alexander 
King, Barzillai 
King, David- 
King, Herman 
Kirkham, Ezekiel 
Kirkham, Seth 
Kirkham, Solomon 
Kirkham, Thomas 
Kirkham, Zebulon 
Kirkham, Zopher 
Knap, Benjamin 
Knap, Daniel 



89 



Historical Record 



Knap, Israel 
Knap, Hannah 
Knap, Joseph 
Knap, Moses 
Knap, Moses, Jr. 
Kniffen, Jacob 
Kniffen, Samuel 
Kniffen, Samuel, Jr. 

Knott 

Kornhyt, Sibert 
Krankhuyt, Isaac 
Laight, Henry 
Lamoraux, Joshua 
Lamoreaux, Elisha 
Lancaster, William 
Lane, David 
Lane, George 
Lane, Jesse 
Lane, Matthew 
Lane, Nathan 
Lane, Nathan, Jr. 
Langdon, John 
Lawrence, Stephen 
Lawrence, William 
Lewis, Henry 
Likely, John 
Lockwood, Ebenezer 
Lockwood, Henry 
Lounsbury, Isaac 
Lounsbury, John 
Luddington, Comfort 
Luddington, Henry 
Lynch, Thomas 



McCaby, Matthew 
McDonald, John 
McFarland, James 
McGregory, Duncan 
McKinsy, Roderick 
McKudney, Jeremiah 
McLean, John 
Mandeville, Jacob 
March, Elnathan 
March, William 
Maybee, Abraham, Jr. 
Maybee, Jacob 
Maybee, John 
Maybee, Peter 
Mead, Hezekiah 
Mead, James 
Mead, Joshua 
Mead, Moses 
Mead, Oliver 
Mead, William 
Meeks, John 
Menzie, Alexander 
Menzie, Thomas 
Merrick, David 
Merrit, John 
Merritt, Hackaliah 
Merritt, Isaac 
Merritt, William 
Millard, Jacob 
Miller, Jonathan 
Minch, John 
Mitchell, Uriah 
Montross, Peter =-— 



90 



Putnam County 



Moo ? Abraham 
Mooney, Robert 
Morehouse, Stephen 
Morris, Roger 
Morrison, Malcom 
Moss, Joseph 
Mott, William 

Mungis 

Munrow, John 
Nelson, Caleb 
Nelson, James 
Nelson, John 
Nelson, Joshua 
Nelson, Justus 
Nelson, Mahar 
Newberry, John 
Nickerson 



Nickerson, Seth 
Nickerson, Thomas 
North, David 
Northrop, Joseph 
Nowland, Michael 
Oakley, Gilbert 
Oakley, Robert 
Oakley, Timothy 
Odell, Benjamin 
Odell, Isaac 
Odell, Jonathan 
Odell, Oliver 
Owens, Jonathan 
Paddock, David 
Paddock, Jonathan 
Paddock, Nathan 



Paddock, Seth 
Paddock, Seth, Jr. 
Paddock, Silas 
Paddock, Thomas 
Paddock, Zachariah 
Palmer, Caleb 
Palmer, Nathan 
Palmer, William 
Parrish, Jonathan 
Patterson, Matthew 
Peane, Daniel 
Pearce, Isaac 
Peer, Samuel 
Pell, Caleb 
Penney, David 
Penney, George 
Penney, William 
Penny, Ammiel 
Peters, Samuel 
Peters, Thomas 
Philips, Joshua 
Philipse, Jacob, Jr. 
Philipse, Joseph 
Pine, Jonathan, Jr. 
Place, John 
Piatt, John 
Porter, Robert 
Post, Abraham 
Post, Henry 
Post, Nathaniel 
Powers, Lawrence 
Price, John 
Purdoe, Isaac 



91 



Historical Record 



Purdy, John 
Purdy, John Still 
Randall, Joseph 
Raymond, Uriah 
Reede, Jacob 
Rhoads, Isaac 
Rhoads, John 
Rhoads, Samuel 
Rice, Edward 
Ricks, Peter 
Rider, Simeon 
Robert, Daniel 
Robinson, Beverly 
Robinson, Beverly, Jr. 
Robinson, Ebenezer 
Rockwell, Stephen 
Rogers, Benjamin 
Rogers, John 
Rubly, Andrew 
Rubly, Nathaniel 
Ruch, John 
Rushny, Isaac 
Russell, Rowland 
Russell, Thomas 
Ryder, Ebenezer 
Ryder, Mary 
Ryder, Reuben 
Ryder, Zadoc 
Sagua, Jacob 
Saris, Thomas 
Sayer, James 
Sears, Benjamin 
Sears, Seth 



Sears, Thomas 
Secor, Isaac 
Secor, John 
Seelass, Daniel 
Sentier, Thomas 
Shaw, Enoch 
Shaw, Gilbert 
Shaw, John 
Shaw, Michael, Jr. 
Shaw, Robert 
Shaw, Timothy 
Shaw, William 
Sherwood, Jeremiah 
Sherwood, John 
Sherwood, Joseph 
Simmins, Absalom 
Simmons, Rachael 
Simpkins, Major 
Sinclair, John 
Slott, Hendrick 
Slott, Isaac 
Slott, Michael 
Smith, Elijah 
Smith, Jabez 
Smith, John 
Smith, Joseph 
Smith, Noah 
Smith, Philip 
Smith, Solomon 
Smith, Thomas 
Snooks, Matthew 
Snouck, Peter 
Snow, William 



92 



Putnam County 



Spencer, Caleb 
Spencer, Samuel 
Star, John 
Stead well, Gilbert 
Stedwell, James 
Steenbaugh, Philip 
Stephens, Jehiel 
Stockman, Jonathan 
Stone, William 
Studwell, John 
Studwell, Joseph 
Sturdevant, Richard 
Sunderland, Joseph 
Surine, Albert 
Surine, Charles 
Sutton, Thomas 
Swain, Thomas 
Swift, Josiah 
Terrel, Peter 
Terril, John 
Terry, John 
Terry, Samuel 
Theal, Charles 
Thurston, John 
Tompkins, Cornelius 
Tompkins, Elijah 
Tompkins, John 
Tompkins, Joshua 
Tompkins, Nathaniel 
Tompkins, Reuben 
Tompkins, Silvanus 
Townsend, Amos 
Townsend, Benjamin 



Townsend, Charles 
Townsend, Christopher 
Townsend, Daniel 
Townsend, James 
Townsend, John 
Townsend, Levi 
Townsend, Robert 
Townsend, Uriah 
Townsend, Zebulon 
Travis, Silvanus 
Truesdill, Richard 
Tryon, Simeon 
Tubbs, Benaijah 
Underhill, William 
Utter, John 
Vail, Caleb 
Van Amburg, John 
Van Tassel, William 
Vermilya, John 
Vermilyer, William 
Vickney, David 
Vickney, Joseph 
Warren, Peter 
Warren, Samuel 
Warrig, John 
Warring, Thadeus 
Washburn, Ebenezer 
Washburn, Isaac 
Washburn, Samuel 
Waterbury, David 
Watts, Robert 
Weekson, Elijah 
Weekson, Peleg 

93 



Historical Record 



Weekson, Shubell 
Wells, David 
White, Jeremiah 
White, John 
W T hite, William 
Whitney, Jeremiah 
Wilcox, Roswell 
Williams, Richard 
Williams, Thomas 
"Willis, Jedekiah 
Wilmott, Lemuel 
Wilsie, Daniel 
Wilsie, Henry 
Wilson, Daniel 
Wilson, James 
Wilson, John 
Wilson, Samuel 
Win, John 
Win, Peter 
Wood, Israel 
Wood, Nehemiah 



Wood, Solomon 
Wooden, Henry 
Wooden, W T illiam 
Woods, Eli 
Woodward, Thomas 
Wright, Dennis 
Wright, John 
Wright, Jonathan 
Wright, Robert 
Wright, William 
Wright, Zebulon 
Yeomans, Absalom 
Yeomans, Anthony 
Yeomans, John 
Yeomans, Johnson 
Yeomans, Samuel 
Yeomans, William 
Young, William 
Youngs, Elihu 
Youngs, Shaw 



The assessment affords no information as to the actual 
amount of property possessed by the persons named. 
We might remark that the great wealth of Beverly 
Robinson was indicated by his assessment of £70, the 
next highest on the list being that of Thomas Davenport, 
£15; the others range from 1 to 6 pounds. 



94 




WALTER FARRINGTON 



CHAPTER V 
POLITICAL DIVISIONS 

WITH the English ascendancy in New Nether- 
land came of course a new system of govern- 
ment, and by an act of the General Assembly, 
November 1st, 1683, the province of New York was 
divided into twelve counties. Of these Dutchess was 
one, and its boundaries are described and defined to be 
"from the bounds of the County of Westchester on the 
south side of the Highlands, and along the east side of 
Hudson's river as far as Roeliff Jansen's Kill, and east 
into the woods twenty miles." At the time of its 
establishment, there were scarcely any inhabitants in 
the entire region, and for many years it was practically 
a part of Ulster county, where the courts were held, and 
its public business performed; and provision was made 
for the freeholders to give their votes in that county as 
if they were residents therein. This continued until 1701, 
when the county first came to have a separate existence. 

Up to 1701 Dutchess county was thought incapable of 
bearing the expense of a representative in the General 
Assembly, "but the people of that county animated by 
the heat of the times, sent Jacob Rutsen and Adrian 
Garretson to represent them in the Assembly." 

The next attempt at a form of civil government for 
the county was in 1713, when the following was enacted: 

"An Act for Dutchess County to elect a Supervisor, a 
Treasurer, Assessor and Collector. 

95 



Historical Record 

"Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and Assembly 
and by the Authority of the same, That the Justices of 
the Peace in Dutchess County or any two of them, shall 
and are hereby required to issue their Warrant to the 
Constables of the said County, to give warning to the 
Freeholders and Inhabitants in the respective Precincts 
thereof to assemble and meet at the most convenient 
place, as the Justices or any two of them shall appoint, at 
any time before the first Tuesday in September next, there 
to make choice of one Free-holder to be Supervisor, one 
Treasurer, two Assessors and two Collectors, in the said 
County, who shall have the same Power, Authority, 
Office and Function, and do, perform, execute and serve, 
and be liable to the same Pains and Penalties, as the 
Supervisors, Treasurers, Assessors and Collectors of the 
several and respective Counties within this Colony until 
the first Tuesday in April next ensuing, and then one 
Supervisor, one Treasurer, and so many Assessors and 
Collectors to be chosen and elected annually." 

In accordance with the provisions of this act, the 
officers mentioned were elected annually, but no docu- 
ment in existence gives their names or tells of their acts; 
and the next information to be found is contained in an 
act passed in 1719, entitled, "An Act to elect Supervisors 
in Dutchess County." "Whereas by an Act made in the 
Twelfth year of the reign of the late Queen Anne, En- 
titled : 

"An Act for Dutchess County to elect a Supervisor, a 
Treasurer, Assessors and Collectors, the County since 
being increased in Inhabitants and Settlements made, 
Now for the more ease and better defraying the public 
Charge of the said County. Be it therefore enacted by 
the Governor, Council and General Assembly, and it is i 

96 



Putnam County 

hereby Enacted by the authority of the same. That from 
and after the Publication of this Act, the said County 
shall be divided into three Divisions. The South Divis- 
ion to begin at the South side of the Highlands, and 
extend to Wappingers creek, the Middle Division to begin 
at the aforesaid Wappingers creek and so northward to 
the Kline Sopus Island, and the North Division to begin 
on the North side of the middle Division and ending on 
the northmost Bounds and extent of the County. 

"And for the better advantage and more easie adjust- 
ing the Accounts of Taxes in the said County, the pay- 
ment of the County charge, Be it enacted by the authority 
aforesaid, That the Inhabitants of every respective 
Division are hereby required and Authorized, yearly 
and every year upon the publick Election, being the first 
Tuesday in April, to elect and appoint in every Division 
a Supervisor for the said County who shall have the 
same power, Function and Authority to raise Publick 
Money to defray the necessary charge of the County and 
also adjust the charges of the same, as all other Super- 
visors of the Colony by Law have a right to have." 

The divisions thus established were called "Wards," 
not by legal authority, but by popular usage. The South 
Ward included all the region now embraced in Putnam 
county, and also a large portion of the present county of 
Dutchess. As the population increased, some difficulty 
arose as to the true location of the northern boundary, as 
is shown by the following entry : 

"At a General Court of Sessions held at the Court 
House at Poughkeepsie in Dutchess County on the 21st 
day of May, Anno Dom. 1728. Taking into considera- 
tion the information of the Grand Jury who imparted 
that a great inconvenience was, and more might thereby 

97 



Historical Record 

ensue, Whereas the bounds between the middle and 
South Wards of said County not being plainly distin- 
guished, therefore it is now agreed that the Division 
shall begin at the mouth of Wappingers Creek, and so 
up the said creek until a line drawn from the house of 
Hendrick Boss due west doth cross ye said Creek, due 
east to the line of the Connecticut Colony, so that all 
remaining on ye South shall be, and is hereby distin- 
guished as ye South Ward." 

A record of the election of officers in the South Ward 
is found in the First and Second Books of the Super- 
visors, as follows: 

"At an Election held in Dutchess County in the South 
Ward, on the first Tuesday in April, it being the second 
day of said Month 1722. These following are chosen 
for Dutchess County for the South Ward: — John Mon- 
tross, Constable & Collector; Jacobus Swartwout, 
Supervisor; Peter Du Boys, Assessor; Johannes Ter 
Boss, Jr., Assessor; Jan De Lange, Overseer of the 
King's Highway; Jacobus Terbos, Overseer of the 
Highway; Jan Buys, Surveyor of the fences; Gerrit 
Van Vliet, Surveyor of the fences. 

"HENRY VANDERBURG, Clerk." 

"At a meeting of Sundry Freeholders & Tenants of 
Dutchess County assembled this first Tuesday in April 
1724, in ye South Ward, the following persons were 
chosen by Majority of votes to sarve for this year viz: — 
Jacobus Swartwout, Supervisor; James Hussey and 
Francis De Langen, Assessors; Hendrick Philipse, Con- 
stable and Collector; Isaac Lossing, Surveyor of King's 
Highway; Jan Buys, Surveyor of ye roads about ye 
Fishkill; Daniel Bush, Surveyor of ye roads about 

98 





m 



m 




UClri tJjLAsVUy* 




> 






Putnam County 

Poughquaick; Peter Du Bois and Jan Buys, Surveyors 
of fences; Jan Buys, Pounner (Pounder)." 

The following men served as Supervisors of the South 
Ward: Johannes Terboss, 1720; Peter Duboys, 1721; 
Jacobus Swartwout, 1722-24; James Hussey, 1725; 
Peter Du Bois, 1726; Jacobus Swartwout, 1727; Abra- 
ham Brinkerhoff, 1728; Jacobus De Peyster, 1729-31; 
James Hussey, 1732. 

The comparative wealth of these three wards may 
be seen from the following amounts of tax paid in the year 
1725; North Ward, £53, 15s., 3d.; Middle Ward, £36, 9s., 
3^d.; South Ward, £27, 9s., l^d. 

The next change in political divisions was December 
16, 1737, when the following was passed: 

"An Act to divide Dutchess County into Precincts. 

"Whereas Dutchess County by an Act made in the 5th 
year of his late Majesty's reign, entitled ' an act to elect 
Supervisors in Dutchess County,' was divided into three 
Divisions, and whereas since that time the Number of 
Inhabitants is much increased and many new settlements 
have been made, whereby it has become necessary for the 
Ease and Convenience of the Inhabitants thereof that 
the said County should be divided into more Precincts. 

"Be it therefore enacted by the Lieut. Governor, the 
Council and the General Assembly, and it is hereby 
enacted by the Authority of the same. That from and 

1 Now the town of Beekman. 

2 As Acts of Parliament and deeds for land in colonial times are 
dated from the year of the beginning of the Sovereign's reign, the 
following may be of value as reference: William and Mary began 
to reign in 1689; Queen Anne in 1702; George I. in 1715; George 
II. in 1728; and George III. in 1760. 

99 



Historical Record 

after the Publication of this Act, the said County shall 
be divided into seven Precincts in the following manner: 
"The south Precinct to contain all that part of the 
Highlands which is granted by Patent to Adolph Philipse 
Esq. 

"The Rumbout or Fishkill Precinct to contain all that 
part of Rumbout Patent South of Wappinger's Creek. 

"The Beekman Precinct to contain all that land grant- 
ed to Henry Beekman Esq." 

The act goes on to establish the precincts of Crom 
Elbow, Rhynbeck, Poughkeepsie and Northeast. 

It will be seen from the above that the South Precinct 
embraced all the present county of Putnam and also the 
southwestern portions of the town of Fishkill in Dutchess. 
The loss of many of the early records renders it 
impossible to give a complete list of the officers of the 
South Precinct, and we can only give the names of the 
officers from 1754. 

Supervisors: Samuel Field, 1754-56; Petrus Dubois, 
1757; Philip Philipse, of New York, 1760-62; Beverly 
Robinson, 1763-65; Philip Philipse, 1766-69; Tertullus 
Dickenson, 1770-71. 

Assessors: James Dickenson, Joseph Lane, 1754; 
James Dickenson, William Nelson, 1755-56; Joseph 
Lane, Daniel Townsend, 1757; Valentine Perkins, 
Joseph Lane, 1758; Daniel Townsend, Joseph Lane, 
1759; James Dickenson, George Hughson, 1760; James 
Dickenson, George Hughson, 1761-65; Joseph Lane, 
Edward Gray, 1766; Malcolm Morrison, Tertullus 
Dickenson, 1767-69; Roswell Wilcox, Samuel Peters, 
Esq., 1770; William Penny, James Dickenson, jr., 1771. 

Clerks: Schuman Travis, 1761; Samuel Dickenson, 
1763; Edward Rice, 1766; Eleazar Baker, 1767. 

100 



Putnam County 

Constables in 1754; Israel Taylor, Nathan Taylor, 
Uriah Hill, Thomas Philipse. 

The first overseers of the poor were George Hughson, 
Edward Gray, Peter Drake and Nathaniel Porter, 1762. 
In this year there was a great addition made to the num- 
ber of Precinct officers, there being elected, six "Poun- 
ders," four fence viewers, and forty-eight pathmasters. 
In 1763 a new officer makes his appearance in the person 
of Jacob Parrish, "Whipper." 

For several years before the Revolution the population 
of the South Precinct increased with rapidity, expecially 
the eastern portion, and on the 34th of March, 1772, 
the following was passed : 

"An Act for dividing the South Precinct of the County 
of Dutchess into three Precincts. 

" Whereas the South Precinct in the County of Dutch- 
ess is so extensive that many of the inhabitants cannot 
attend the annual meeting for Election of officers, with- 
out great inconvenience, and is become so populous that 
the Elections can no longer be held with due Order and 
Regularity. 

"I. Be it enacted by his Excellency the Governor the 
Council and the General Assembly, and it is hereby 
enacted by the Authority of the Same. That the said 
South Precinct shall after the first day of April next be 
divided into three Precincts in the Manner following: 

"The west Division or Precinct is to be called Philips 
Precinct, bounded as follows, to wit, Southerly by West- 
chester county, Easterly by East line of Beverly Robin- 
son's Long Lot No. 4; Northerly by the division line 
between Rumbout and Philipse Patents, and Westerly by 
Hudson's river. And the Middle Division or Precinct to 
comprehend that part of Philipse Patent within the 

101 



Historical Record 

South Precinct known by the name of the three east 
short Lots and the two eastern Long Lots, to be called 
Fredericksburg and bounded as follows, to wit, Southerly 
by Westchester County, Northerly by Pawlings Precinct, 
Easterly by the Oblong and Westerly by Philipse Pre- 
cinct. The Eastermost Division or Precinct to compre- 
hend the lands called the Oblong lying within the said 
South Precinct, to be called the South East Precinct, 
and bounded as follows, to wit, Southerly by West- 
chester County, Westerly by Fredericksburg Precinct, 
Northerly by Pawlings Precinct, until it comes to the 
Connecticut line, Easterly by the Connecticut line. In 
which said three Precincts there shall be annually chosen 
by the majority of voices of the Freeholders and Inhabi- 
tants, in each respective Precinct, One Clerk, one Super- 
visor, two Assessors, one Collector, two Constables, 
three Overseers of Poor, three fence viewers, two Pound 
Masters and Overseers of Highways or as many Pound 
Masters and Overseers of Highways as the majority of 
the Inhabitants at their said annual meeting shall think 
fit. Which said officers so elected shall each and every 
of them have the same Power and Authority that any of 
the like officers have in any other of the Precincts, in the 
said County, and shall be liable to the same Pains and 
Penalties, any thing in this or any other Act, to the 
contrary notwithstanding. 

"II. And be it enacted by the Authority aforesaid, 
That the Justices and Overseers of the Poor shall as soon 
as possible after the Division of the said Precincts, call 
together all the Poor of the said Precincts and make an 
equal Distribution of them as is possible in the said Pre- 
cincts, to be for the future maintained by, and reside in 
the Precinct they shall be allotted to: and that all such 

102 




MRS. UNDERHILL BUDD 



Putnam County 

sum or sums of money that shall or may be due by the 
said Precinct at the Division thereof, for the Maintai- 
nance of the Poor shall be levied proportionally on each 
of the respective Precincts at the next meeting of the 
Supervisors and Assessors. 

"III. And be it enacted, "That the Inhabitants of 
Fredericksburg Precinct shall annually meet on the first 
Tuesday of April, for the election of officers for said Pre- 
cinct, at the house of Thomas Smith in Fredericksburg; 
and that the Inhabitants of Philipse Precinct shall meet 
on the same day, for the like purpose at the house of 
John Compton in Philipse Precinct; and that the Inhabi- 
tants of the South East precinct shall meet on the same 
day for the like purpose at the dwelling of John Ryder, 
in the said Precinct. 

"IV. And be it enacted, That it shall and may be law- 
ful for the Inhabitants of each of the aforesaid Precincts, 
at any of their annual meetings for electing officers as 
aforesaid, by a majority of voices of the Inhabitants so 
met, to appoint any other certain place for the next 
election : which shall continue to be the place of Election 
till another appointment be made in the same manner. 

'V. And be it enacted by the Authority aforesaid that 
the Inhabitants of Philipse and Fredericksburgh Pre- 
cincts having personal estate to the value of sixty pounds, 
free from all incumbrance, shall be, and hereby are made 
liable to serve as jurors, on the trial of Cases in Justices 
Courts in the said Precincts of Philipse and Fredericks- 
burg anything in the aforesaid Act to the Contrary 
notwithstanding. ' ' 

After the formation of the Precincts in 1772 the follow- 
ing officers were elected for Philipse Precinct and Freder- 
icksburg. The officers elected for the South East Pre- 

103 



Historical Record 

cinct for that year do not appear on the Records in 
Poughkeepsie. 

Philipse Precinct: Supervisor, Beverly Robinson; 
assessors, Caleb Nelson, Joseph Lane; collector, William 
Dusenbury; constables, Israel Taylor, Isaac Davenport; 
poor masters, Justus Nelson, Cornelius Tompkins. 

Fredericksburg: Supervisor, Tertullus Dickenson; 
assessors, Henry Luddington, James Dickenson; collector, 
Edward Rice; constables, Wm. Underhill, Wm. Nelson, 
Elijah Townsend, Edward Rice; poor masters, Jehiel 
Bazely, James Dickenson. 

The first election of commissioners of highways was in 
1773, when the following were chosen: Philipse Precinct: 
Justus Nelson, Moses Dusenbury, Isaac Rhodes; Fred- 
ericksburg: James Dickenson, Jehiel Beardsley, James 
Dickenson, Jr.; South East: Thomas Baldwin, Owen 
Hull, Seth Nickerson. 

Pound masters first appeared in 1774, when we find the 
following occupants of that office: Cornelius Tompkins, 
John Oakley, Joseph Haight, Caleb Nelson. 

Supervisors of Philipse Precinct : 

Moses Dusenbury, 1773; Beverly Robinson, 1774; 
Joshua Nelson, 1775; George Lane, 1786; John Hyatt, 
1787. 

Of Fredericksburg: Tertullus Dickenson, 1773-76; 
Henry Ludington, 1777-78; Reuben Ferris, 1779-84; 
John Drake, 1786; Reuben Ferris, 1787. 

Of South East: Joseph Crane, jr., 1773; John Field, 
1774-76; Joseph Crane, 1778; William Mott, 1779-80f 
Isaac Crosby, 1782-84; Joseph Crane, 1787. 

Assessors of Philipse Precinct: 

Joseph Lane, 1772; William Dusenbury, Caleb Nelson, 
1773; Joshua Nelson, William Dusenbury, 1774; Cor- 

104 




DR. M. DOWNING 



'" 






Putnam County 

nelius Tompkins, Joshua Nelson, 1775; John Armstrong, 
Morris Smith, Titus Travis, Joshua Horton, Isaac Dav- 
enport, 1786. 

Of Fredericksburg: Henry Ludington, James Dicken- 
son, 1772; Jabez Berry, William Penney, 1773; Jabez 
Berry, David Crosby, 1774-76; Roswell Wilcox, Reuben 
Crosby, 1778; Alexander Kidd, Jonathan Paddock, 
Heman King, Elijah Townsend, Elisha Cole, James Wil- 
son, Jabez Berry, 1779; David Hecock, Nehemiah Jones, 
Moody Howes, Ebenezer Robinson, Elijah Townsend, 
Solomon Hopkins, Jabez Berry, 1780; David Hecock, 
Stephen Field, Jabez Berry, 1782; Roswell Wilcox, 
William Penney, Timothy Delavan, David Cole, Elijah 
Townsend, John Berry, 1784; Jabez Berry, David 
Crosby, jr., Roswell Wilcox, 1786. 

Of South East: John Field, Samuel Berry, 1773; 
Robert Hall, James Birdsall, 1774; Peter Hall, Daniel 
Haviland, 1775; William Mott, Nathan Birdsall, 1776; 
William Mott, Thomas Baldwin, Nathan Birdsall, 1778; 
Thomas Baldwin, Simon Ryder, 1779; Thomas Baldwin, 
Thomas Higgins, Nathan Birdsall, 1782; Thomas Bald- 
win, Thomas Higgins, John El well, 1783; Thomas 
Baldwin, Joseph Crane, jr., John Elwell, 1784; Joseph 
Crosby, jr., Thomas Higgins, Nathan Paddock, 1785; 
Thomas Baldwin, John Hopkins, Thomas Higgins, 1786. 

ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY 

After the Revolution and upon the adoption of the 
State Constitution, an act was passed for dividing the 
State into counties. This act established Dutchess county 
according to its ancient boundaries except as to its 
northern limits, which extended only to the south bounds 
of the Manor of Livingston. March 7, 1780, an act was 

105 



II i 8 toxical Re e ord 

also passed for dividing the counties of the State into 
towns, in which are the following provisions: 

'And all that part of the County of Dutchess, bounded 
Southerly hv the Countv of Westchester, Westerly by 
Hudson's river, Northerly by the north Bound- of the 
lands granted to Adolph Philipse Esq., and Easterly by 
the East bounds of the Long Lot No. 4, formerly be- 
longing to Beverly Robinson: shall be, and hereby is 
erected into a Town by the name of Philipstown." 

"And all that part of the said County of Dutchess, 
bounded Southerly by the County of Westchester, 
Westerly by Philipstown, Northerly by the north bounds 
of the lands granted to Adolph Philipse Esq., and Easter- 
ly by the East bounds of the same Patent: shall be, and 
hereby is erected into a Town by the name of Fredericks 
Town." 

"And all that part of the said County of Dutchess, 
bounded Southerly by the County of West Chester, 
Westerly by Fredericks Town, Northerly by the northern 
line of Fredericks Town continued to Connecticut, and 
Easterly by Connecticut: shall be, and hereby is erected 
into a Town by the name of Southeast Town." 

The history of these towns and their subsequent 
changes will be given in separate chapters. 

The last change that was made in the towns previous 
to the establishment of Putnam county was the following 
act, passed March 14, 1806: 

An Act to annex a part of the town of Philips to the 
town of Fishkill in Dutchess County." 

' Be it enacted by the people of the State of New York, 
represented in Senate and Assembly. That from, and 
after, the passing of this act, all such part of the town of 
Philip-, afl lies north and wot of a line beginning by the 

106 



Putnam County 

north river at the South westermost end of Break neck 
hill, running from thence North fifty two degrees east 
to the division line between the same towns is hereby 
annexed to the town of Fishkill, any law to the contrary 
notwithstanding." 

It is this change that caused the northwest corner of 
Putnam county to appear to be cut off. as it really is. It 
was made for the convenience of the early settlers — Van 
Amburgh. Dubois, Cromwell. Brinckerhoff and other 
families. 

The disproportion in the geographical extent of 
Frederickstown and Southeast was so apparent and the 
inconveniences arising from it were so manifest, that the 
proposal to divide these towns met with great favor, and 
in accordance with this general desire the Legislature. 
in 1795, passed "An Act to divide Frederickstown and 
Southeast town in Dutchess County, into four towns." 

In March, ISO?, a bill was introduced into the Legis- 
lature to divide Dutchess count v. which territory 
included the present county of Putnam. This bill 
passed the Senate but was lost in the Assembly. 

June 12, 1812, Putnam was constituted a separate 
county. It lies upon the Hudson, between Dutchess and 
Westchester counties, and extends east to the Connect- 
icut line. It contains 234 square miles, and embraces 
nearly all The Highlands east of the Hudson. 

On the 7th of September, 1812, Dr. Robert Weeks, a 
member of the Legislature, sold to the supervisors of 
the county of Putnam, "all that certain lot of land 
situated in the town of Carmel. bounded as follows: 
Beginning at a poplar tree marked P. standing on 
the east side of the highway, then south rive degrees 
east, two chains: thence north eighty five degrees east. 

107 



Historical Record 

two chains, fifty links; thence north, five degrees west 
two chains, thence to the place of beginning, containing 
one half acre for the purpose of erecting thereon a Court 
House and Gaol for the county of Putnam, and such 
other buildings as shall be necessary for the convenience 
and accommodation of said county and no others." 
The Court House was built in 1814, the first court being 
held in it February 15, 1815. Previous to that they were 
held in the Baptist Meeting House. In 1842 an act was 
passed by the Legislature authorizing the county officers 
to sell the Court House and grounds as a change of site 
was strongly urged, but this project was abandoned. 
In 1840, the Court House was repaired and improved. 
The jail, a small stone building, was erected in 1844. It 
adjoined the court house on the east. The court house 
was again repaired and enlarged in 1855, and a new jail 
built. The present brick jail was completed in 1908. 

The first county clerk's office was a small one story 
building, built of brick, with a slate roof and a marble 
floor. This was built in pursuance of an Act passed April 
17, 1822. The second county clerk's office was built of 
stone in 1871, and torn down in May, 1911, to be re- 
placed by a fireproof structure costing $27,500. 

During the times of the "Precincts," and up to the 
year 1830, the poor were supported by the practice of 
"farming out," by which they were sold to the lowest 
bidder and their style of support corresponded to the 
small sums received for their maintenance. In 1830, the 
superintendents of the poor purchased from Warren Town- 
send three acres of land in the town of Kent, bounded 
east by the west line of Philipse Long Lot No. 6, south 
and west by the brook, and north by Ferris Brown; and 
another piece of 106 acres east of the same; and also 

108 



Putnam County 

another piece of 27 acres on the east side of the highway. 
They also bought 50 acres of Abraham Hopkins, bounded 
east by Philipse Lot line. This line runs west of the 
house and buildings and crosses the brook and the high- 
way towards the north end of the farm. Some lots of 
woodland have since been purchased for the use of the 
institution. 

In 1856, the office of the county superintendent was 
abolished, and the Board of Supervisors were authorized 
to employ a keeper of the poor house, who makes an 
annual report. 

It will be noticed that the act establishing Putnam 
county simply sets off certain towns as a new county, 
without actually defining the true line between Putnam 
and Dutchess. The act of the Colonial Legislature in 
establishing the South Precinct of Dutchess county 
describes it as including the whole of the patent granted 
to Adolph Philipse. Whether the true county line was 
the north line of the "Gore," or the line of the survey of 
the Philipse Patent, run in 1753, or a due east line from 
the mouth of Fishkill Creek, remained in doubt and un- 
certainty. In 1832, an act was passed "To survey and 
settle the North Boundary Line of the County of 
Putnam." " It shall be the duty of the Surveyor General 
to survey, run out and designate by proper land marks, 
the boundary line between the Counties of Putnam and 
Dutchess, the same being the northerly line of the County 
of Putnam, as the same is described in the third volume of 
the Revised Statues, as nearly as the said boundary line 
can be ascertained, but such survey shall not be made 
until the expense thereof shall be provided for by the 
counties of Dutchess and Putnam, or one of them." 

109 



Historical Record 

There were three lines proposed. The first consisted 
of the Compromise Lines, or the north lines of the Gores 
of the Rombout and Beekman Patents. The second 
was the line of survey of the north line of the Philipse 
Patent, in 1753, which began at the mouth of Fishkill 
Creek and ran north, 87 degrees east to the Oblong. 
The third was a due east line from the mouth of Fishkill 
Creek, to the Connecticut line. 

Among the records of the Board of Supervisors of 
Dutchess county is a letter from the surveyor general, 
stating that he should consider the east and west line as 
the true boundary. A resolution of the Board of Super- 
visors of that county states that "the east and west line 
being generally known, there was no necessity of voting 
any money to locate it." Consequently nothing was 
ever done to mark the line by proper monuments. 

PUTNAM COUNTY CIVIL LIST 

REPRESENTATIVES IN CONGRESS 

1817 Henry B. Lee 

1837 Gouverneur Kemble 

1847 Cornelius Warren 

1907-08 Samuel McMillan 

1909-10 Hamilton Fish 

STATE SENATORS 



1828- 


-31 


Walker Todd 


1848- 


-49 


Saxton Smith 


1864-65 


Saxton Smith 






110 





Putnam County 




MEMBERS OF ASSEMBLY 


1814 


Joshua Barnum, jr. 


1815 


David Knapp 


1816 


Henry B. Lee 


1817 


Edward Smith, jr. 


1818 


William H. Johnston 


1819 


Hart Weed 


1820 


David Knapp 


1821 


Elisha Brown 


1822 


Edward Smith 


1823 


William Watts 


1824 


Stephen C. Barnum 


1825 


David Knapp 


1826- 


28 Henry B. Cowles 


1829 


Thomas W. Taylor 


1830 


James Towner 


1831 


Bennet Boyd 


1832 


Reuben D. Barnum 


1833 


John Garrison 


1834 


Jonathan Morehouse 


1835 


Daniel Kent 


1836 


Moses C. Robinson 


1837 


John Crawford 


1838 


Saxton Smith 


1839 


Herman R. Stephens 


1840 


Saxton Smith 


1841 


James H. Cornwall 


1842 


Ebenezer Foster 


-1843 


Sylvanus Warren 


1844 


Saxton Smith 


1845- 


47 Benjamin Bailey 


1847 


Benjamin B. Benedict 




111 



Historical Record 

1848 Chauncey R. Weeks 

1849 James J. Smalley 
1850-51 William Bowne 
1852-53 Nathan A. Howes 
1854-55 James J. Smalley 

1856 Benjamin Bailey 

1857 Chauncey R. Weeks 

1858 John Garrison 
1859-60 Edwin A. Pelton 

1861 Charles T. Brewster 

1862 Thomas H. Reed 

1863 Saxton Smith 
1864-65 Jeremiah Sherwood 
1866-67 Stephen Baker 

1868 Samuel D. Humphrey 

1869-70 Morgan Horton 

1871 Sarles Drew 

1872 James B. Dykeman 

1873 William S. Clapp 

1874 Hamilton Fish, jr. 

1875 William H. Christopher 
1876-79 Hamilton Fish, jr. 

1880 George McCabe 

1881 Charles H. Everett 

1882 Robert A. Livingston 

1883 James W. Brooks 

1884 Henry D. Clapp 

1885 Robert A. Livingston 
1886-88 Henry Mabie 
1889-91 Hamilton Fish 

1892 William H. Ladue 

1893-96 Hamilton Fish 

1897-98 Emerson W. Addis 

112 




F. J. NESBITT 



Putnam C ounty 

1899 Adrian H. Dean 

1900-01 William W. Everett 
1902-11 John R. Yale 

COUNTY OFFICERS 

JUDGES 

1812 Stephen Barnum, 1st 
Robert Johnston 
Henry Garrison 
Barnabas Carver 

1813 Joseph Crane 
Robert Johnston 
Henry Garrison 
John Crane 
Stephen Hayt 

1815 Barnabas Carver 

Robert Johnston 
Henry Garrison 
Jonathan Morehouse 
John Patterson 

1818 Henry Garrison, 1st 

Barnabas Carver 
John Patterson 
Jonathan Morehouse 

1820 Abraham Smith 
William Watts 
David Jackson 
John Patterson 
John Hoyt 

1821 Barnabas Carver 
Jonathan Morehouse 
William Watts 

113 





Historical Record 


1821 


Abraham Smith 


1823 


Henry Garrison 




Barnabas Carver 




Stephen C. Barnard 




James Lowner 




Edward Smith 


1829 


Frederick Stone, 1st 




Bennet Boyd 




Samuel Washburn 




Ebenezer Foster 




Cyrus Horton 


1832 


Henry Garrison 


1833 


Bennet Boyd, 1st 




David Kent 


1835 


Stephen Pinckney 


1836 


Ebenezer Foster 


1838 


David Kent 




Bennet Body, 1st 




John Garrison 


1841 


Henry J. Belden 




Cornelius Warren 


1843 


Robert P. Parrott, 1st. 




Azor. B. Crane 




Benjamin B. Benedict 




Thatcher B. Theall 


1845 


Nathaniel Cole 


1847-50 


Azor. B. Crane (and Surrogate) 


1851-62 


Ambrose Ryder (and Surrogate) 


1863-83 


Edward Wright (and Surrogate 


1884-02 


William Wood (and Surrogate) 


1903 


J. Bennett Southard (and Surrogate) 




114 



m 



Putnam County 

SURROGATES 

1813 Joel Frost 

1819 Walker Todd 

1821 Joel Frost 

1823 Jeremiah Hine 

1827 Jeremiah Hine 

1832 Walker Todd 

1836 Walker Todd 

1839 Howard H. White 

1840 Abraham Smith 
1844-47 Azor. B. Crane 

The offices of County Judge and Surrogate have been 
combined since 1846. 

SHERIFFS 

1812 William H. Johnston 

1813-14 Peter Crosby 

1815-18 Peter Warren 

1819-20 Edward Buckbee 

1821 Joseph Cole 

1822-23 Edward Buckbee 

1826 Thomas W. Taylor 

1829 Joseph Cole, 2d 

1832 Nathaniel Cole 

1835 Thomas W. Taylor 

1838 George W. Travis 

1840 William W. Taylor 

1843 James Smith 

1846 William W. Taylor 

1849 James J. Smalley 

1849 Joseph E. M. Nobby, ap. 

1852 Harvey Mead 

1855 Charles T. Brewster 

115 



Historical Record 

1858 Daniel B. Lockwood 

1861 Charles T. Brewster 

1864 John J. Smalley 

1867 John Butler 

1870 Richard R. Horton 

1873 James O. Cole 

1876 Edmund Doane 

1879 James O. Cole 

1883 James J. Dakin* 

1884-86 Jeremiah W. Hazen, ap. 

1887 James O. Cole* 

1888 Lewis Edgar Cole. ap. 

1889 William E. Nelson* 
1892 Reuben R. Barrett 
1895 Jeremiah W. Hazen 
1898 John P. Donohuef 
1901 Jeremiah W. Hazen 
1904 Leonard Jaycox 
1907 Joseph Barry 
1910 Charles E. Nichols 

*Died in office 
fResigned 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS 

1818 Walker Todd 

1821 Frederic Stone 

1829 Jeremiah Hine 

1838 Frederic Stone 

1847 Charles GaNun 

1850 John G. Miller* 

1850 Frederic Stone 

1853 John G. Miller 

1856 Peter M. Jordan 

116 



I 




EMERSON W. ADDIS 



Putnam County 

1858 Levi H. McCoy 

1861 Jackson U. Dykeman 

1864 James D. Little 

1870 Samuel J. Owen 

1876 William Wood 

1883 Frederic S. Barnum 

1885-96 Abram J. Miller 

1897 Elisha N. Rusk* 
1898-1900 J. Bennett Southard 

1901-09 William H. Weeks 

1910 Henry J. Rusk 

*Died in office 

COUNTY CLERKS 



1812 


John Jewett 


1815 


William H. Johnston 


1817 


James Townsend, jr. 


1820 


Rowland Bailey 


1821 


James Towner 


1822 


Jonathan Morehouse 


1837 


William H. Sloat 


1840 


Reuben D. Barnum 


1852 


Ira Mead 


1857 


Augustus Hazen 


1860 


Edward Wright 


1863 


John K. Wyatt 


1875 


Edward B. Thompson 



1882-1911 Edward C. Weeks 

COUNTY TREASURERS 

1848 Thomas W. Taylor 

1854 Leonard K. Everett 

1857 Addison J. Hopkins 

117 



Historical Record 



1860 




James J. Smalley 


1869 




Thatcher H. Theall 


1870 




John Cornish 


1873 




Ambrose Ryder 


1873 




Daniel Baker 


1876- 


94 


Hillyer Ryder 


1895- 


03 


Frank Wells 


1904- 


11 


Edward D. Stannard 



118 



CHAPTER VI 
THE MILITIA OF PUTNAM COUNTY 

THE first account we have of any organization of 
the militia is from an order signed by Col. John 
Field to Lieut. Jonathan Crane in 1777, to wit: 
"You are hereby appointed a Commandant of the Guard 
for the protection of the inhabitants in this quarter agree- 
able to orders Late rec'd from our Gov'r. You are in 
person to call upon the persons whose names are Inserted 
in the annexed List this day to enter the service under 
your Command. You are to Rendezvous this evening 
at the house of Major Mott when you will receive further 
orders. You will make Return to me of the names of 
any such person as may Neglect or refuse to put them- 
selves under your Command. 

Given under my hand this 8th day of October, 1777. 

JOHN FIELD, Colo. 
To Lieut. Jonathan Crane." 

In 1786 Jonathan Crane was commissioned "captain 
No. 3 of a company in the Regiment of the Militia of the 
County of Dutchess of which William Pearce, Esq., is 
Lieutenant Colonel Commandant." Commission signed 
by George Clinton, Governor. 

In 1793, Jonathan Crane, Esq., was commissioned 
second major of the regiment of militia in the county of 
Dutchess whereof Samuel Augustus Barker was lieu- 
tenant colonel commandant. 

119 



Historical Record 

April 25, 1797, Jonathan Crane, Esq. was commissioned 
by Gov. John Jay as lieutenant colonel commandant of a 
regiment of militia in the county of Dutchess. 

In 1808, Anson Crane was commissioned by Governor 
Daniel D. Tompkins captain of a company in the regi- 
ment of militia in the county of Dutchess whereof Joseph 
C. Field, Esq., was lieutenant colonel commandant. 

By an act of Congress passed in 1792 for the organ- 
ization of the militia, the commanding officer of each 
regiment was lieutenant colonel commandant, which 
office was continued till 1818 when the regiments were 
as before commanded by colonels, with a lieutenant 
colonel and major as field officers. This accounts for the 
lieutenant colonel commandants between Col. John 
Field and Col. Reuben D. Barnum. That part of the 
present county of Putnam consisting of Southeast and 
Patterson was in the bounds of the 35th Regiment, and 
six of the eight companies in the regimental district 
were in the towns mentioned. 

The MONKEYTOWN Company held its company train- 
nings near where the milk factory now stands. The 
captains of this company from time to time were Samuel 
Ryder, Gilbert Reynolds, Stephen Ryder, Orrin B. 
Crane, Thatcher H. Theall and Isaac A. Crane. 

The SODOM Company trained at Sodom Corners, 
now Southeast Center. Among its captains were Orrin 
Richards, Jacob O. Howes, and Reuben B. Lawrence. 

The MlLLTOWN Company's headquarters were at 
Milltown, and some of its officers were Joseph Palmer, 
Piatt Baldwin, Albert Brush, William F. Fowler, H. K. 
Beebe and Isaac Volney Higgins. 

The Elm Tree Company held its company trainings 
at a tavern near the "big elm," kept by Capt. Daniel 

120 




CHARLES MARSH KITTRIDGE, M.D. 



Putnam County 

Reed. Some of the officers were Daniel Reed, Elijah 
Barnum, Patterson Barnum, Orlando P. Barnum and 
Francis A. Seeley. 

In a letter written by Col. Nathan Pearce in 1879, he 
says: "The next company paraded at Haviland Corner. 
It was composed of the eastern part of Patterson and south 
eastern part of Pawling so as to include the Slocums. 
The most prominent Captain was Asa Akin." 

The SIXTH Company paraded at Harry Hayt's in 
West Patterson including the rest of the town of Patter- 
son. Its captains were Dean, Smith, Pugsley, Squires 
and Samuel C. Reynolds. 

The Seventh Company paraded at Hurd's Corner, 
and the EIGHTH at Jackson Wing's, but they were 
outside of the county. 

The 35th Regiment was in the 30th Brigade an4 7th 
Division. General Jacob L. Scofield was the last 
brigadier general of the brigade, he being in command at 
the time of its disbandment in 1847. He died March 27, 
1886, at Fishkill, in the 92d year of his age. 

Major General John Brush of Poughkeepsie was 
commandant of the Division as early as 1824, and con- 
tinued to the disbaridment, which took place in conse- 
quence of a change in the system. 

Regimental parades of the 35th were held at Haviland 
Corner, now Aiken Corner, as far back as the days of 
Col. Crane and up to the last meetings. 

The succession of colonels and commanding officers 
as nearly as can be ascertained were: John Field, of 
Southeast, 1777; William Pearce, of Pawling, 1786; 

Samuel Augustus Barker, 1793; Burton, 1795 

(By Gen. Orders); Jonathan Crane, Southeast, 1797; 
Joseph C. Field, Southeast, 1808; Isaac Crosby, South- 

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east; Hart Weed, Southeast, 1815; Samuel Allen; John 
T. Hotehkiss; Reuben D. Barnum, Southeast, 1821 
Nathan Pearce, Pawling, 1823 (died July 31, 1882) 
Stephen Ryder, Southeast, 1828 (died April 30, 1876) 
John Hall, Southeast, 1831; Piatt Baldwin, Southeast 
Lewis Doane, Southeast, about 1840; Jacob O. Howes 
Southeast; Thatcher H. Theall, Southeast (died in 1886) 
and Leray Barnum, Southeast. 

There was, about the beginning of the 19th century, 
a company of light infantry commanded by David Lam- 
bert De Forest. A company of light horse cavalry was 
in existence for a long time. James Sherwood was its 
captain and Charles Brewster, lieutenant. 

The 61st Regiment, N. Y. S. M., was composed of 
residents of the four western towns of the county. Its 

last colonel was Hitchcock. It was in the 30th 

Brigade and 7th Division, as was the 35th. There was 
an artillery company in its bounds, probably attached 
to it, of which Capt. Edmund Pierce was commandant 
and Abel Gregory was lieutenant. In 1846 a law was 
passed exempting members of the uniformed militia from 
military service by a commutation of seventy-five cents. 
The law was amended in 1847, and encouragement was 
given to the formation of uniformed companies. The 
State was divided into eight division districts and thirty- 
two brigade districts. The 7th Brigade District was 
composed of the counties of Putnam, Westchester and 
Rockland. 

The 18th Regimental District was composed of four- 
teen towns in Westchester and Putnam counties. Phil- 
ipstown was the 6th Company district, Putnam Valley, 
Patterson and Kent composed the 7th Company district, 
and Southeast and Carmel the 8th Company district 

122 



Putnam County 

of the regiment. A uniformed company was organized 
at Cold Spring in the 6th Company district called the 
"Kemble Guards," an infantry company of which Levi 
L. Livingston was captain, and Jackson O. Dykman 
was first lieutenant. 

Another company was organized in the 8th Company 
district, Southeast and Carmel, called the Putnam 
Guards, an infantry company of which James Ryder was 
Captain, Jackson P. Ballard first lieutenant, and Edward 
Wright second lieutenant. The company was well 
organized and equipped and continued till the original 
members served out their time of enlistment. The 
organization was completed October 12, 1848. In 1851 
the captain was promoted to be colonel of the 18th 
Regiment, Lieut. Ballard was elected captain and served 
till the company went out of service. An engineer corps 
was organized in Cold Spring in 1854 under the charge 
of Capt. George F. Sherman, Regimental Engineer, 
which was very complete in its organization and equip- 
ments. Capt. Sherman was promoted to the position of 
inspector general on the staff of Governor Morgan, and 
Sylvester B. Truesdell was elected to succeed Mr. Sher- 
man as captain of the corps. 

In 1865 a draft was ordered by Governor Seymour to 
fill the militia regiments to the minimum number re- 
quired by law and there were reorganizations and com- 
panies in the 6th, 7th and 8th districts, which continued 
until the regimental organization was disbanded in 1867, 
since which time there has been no militia organization 
in the county. 

April 8, 1864, James Ryder of the 18th Regiment was 
promoted by Governor Horatio Seymour to be brigadier 

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Historical Record 

general of the 7th Brigade, and continued to hold the 
office until April 8, 1875. 

The Kemble Guards were out in the United States 
service in 1863 at the call of the 18th Regiment, and were 
in service 45 days. 

PUTNAM COUNTY DURING THE REVOLUTION 

Though no battle took place within its limits, Putnam 
county was the principal scene of the consummation of 
Arnold's treason, and of many events of minor interest. 
General Putnam had command of the army stationed here 
most of the time ; the passes through the mountains were 
carefully guarded, and at different times large bodies of 
troops were stationed there. 

The entrance to the Highlands was a point of great 
military importance during the Revolution, and on the 
banks of Canopus Creek, in the southeast corner of the 
town of Philipstown, extensive barracks were construct- 
ed by the American army in 1777, which would accommo- 
date 2,000 men. A large number of cattle and a great 
amount of military stores were collected there, and were 
under the charge of Major Campbell. Redoubts were 
built for the purpose of commanding the road and pro- 
tecting public property. On the 9th of October, 1777, 
and three days after the capture of Forts Clinton and 
Montgomery, Gen. Tryon was sent with a body of troops 
to destroy the settlement. The expedition was success- 
ful, and the village of Continental, with all the stores, 
was completely destroyed. The inhabitants fled to the 
hills and the American troops retired to Fishkill, leaving 
this part of the valley a scene of desolation. Shortly 
afterward General Parsons marched down from Fishkill 
with 2,000 men and took possession of Peekskill. Con- 

124 



Putnam County 

tinental Village was again occupied as a place for col- 
lecting stores for the army, and the barracks were to some 
extent rebuilt. 

Constitution Island, a promontory opposite West 
Point, separated from the main land by a wide extent of 
marsh, was known as "Martelaer's Rock" before the 
Revolution. In July, 1775, a fort was built upon it, 
under the direction of Bernard Romaine; and in 1778, a 
heavy chain was stretched across the Hudson from this 
fort to West Point. Col. Timothy Pickering, appointed 
to have charge of this work, in March, 1778, contracted 
with Peter Townsend (at the Sterling Iron Works, 
Warwick, Orange county) for the construction of the 
chain. The task was done in six weeks, and the huge 
chain carted in sections to West Point. The links weigh- 
ed from 100 to 150 pounds each; and the entire weight 
was 186 tons, and its length 1,500 feet. It was buoyed 
up by large spars, a few feet apart, secured by strong 
timbers framed into them and firmly attached to the rock 
on both shores. In winter it was drawn on shore by a 
windlass, and replaced in the spring. It was never dis- 
turbed by the enemy, and continued in use until the 
peace. A similar chain of half its diameter, and 1,800 
feet in length, had been stretched across the channel from 
Anthony's Nose to Fort Montgomery, in November, 1776. 
It parted twice, and the enemy broke and passed it in the 
fall of 1777. Another, stretched from Pollepels Island 
to the west shore, consisted of spars, pointed, and their 
ends united by iron links. Traces of Fort Constitution 
and the outworks are still visible. 

The following reports taken from the Military Journal 
in the office of the Secretary of State may be briefly 
quoted : 

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Historical Record 

"Fredericksburg in Dutchess County, March 15, 1776. 

"Pursuant to a resolve of the Provincial Congress of 
New York, passed the 9th of August, 1775, the com- 
mittee proceeded to call together the several companies 
of militia in this Precinct, for choice of officers as follows : 

"Beat No. 1, Friday, March 8th, the company did 
meet and under the inspection of Joshua Myrick, Daniel 
Mertine and David Myrick, three of the Committee did 
choose Ebenezer Robinson, Captain; Nathaniel Scribner, 
1st Lieut.; Hezekiah Mead, Jr., 2d Lieut.; Obadiah 
Chase, Ensign. 

"Beat No. 2, Monday, March 11th, the company met 
and under the inspection of David Waterbury and Moses 
Richards, two of the Committee did elect David Water- 
bury, Capt.; Isaac Townsend, 1st Lieut.; Jonathan 
Webb, 2d Lieut.; Timothy Delavan, Ensign. 

"Beat No. 3, Sept. 20th, 1776, the Company met and 

under the inspection of Paddock, Simeon Tryon, 

David Crosby, three of the Committee made choice of 
Jonathan Paddock, Capt.; Jeremiah Burges, 2d Lieut.; 
Joseph Dykeman, Ensign. N. B. Simeon Tryon is 
appointed a Lieutenant in the Continental army. 

"Beat No. 4, Tuesday, March 12th, the Company met 
and under the inspection of Solomon Hopkins, David 
Myrick and David Smith did elect John Crane, Capt.; 
Elijah Townsend, 1st Lieut.; David Smith, 2d Lieut.; 
and John Berry, Ensign. 

"Beat No. 5, Wednesday, March 13th, the company 
met and under the inspection of Solomon Hopkins and 
Joshua Myrick, two of the Committee, did elect Wm. 
Colwell, Capt.; Joel Mead, 1st Lieut.; Stephen Luding- 
ton, 2d Lieut.; and David Porter, Ensign. 

"Beat No. 6, Thursday, March 14th, the Company met 

126 










• 



WILLIAM R. FARRINGTON 



Putnam County 

and under the inspection of Isaac Chapman and Joshua 
Crosby, two of the committee, did choose David Hecock, 
Capt.; William Calkin, 1st Lieut.; and Moses Sage, 
Ensign. 

"The above gentlemen are all persons of respectable 
characters, have been friendly to liberty, and have signed 
the general association recommended by the Congress. 
"By order of the Committee. 

"DAVID SMITH, Chairman, Pro tern. 

"A true Copy, 

JOSHUA MYRICK, Clerk." 

On the 6th of May, 1776, a letter was sent to the 
Provincial Congress, by the Committee of Dutchess 
County, stating that the southern regiment of militia 
was so large and covered such an extent of country, that 
it was deemed advisable to divide it into two regiments. 
Of these, one was to contain all the militia in the South- 
east Precinct, and the militia in the northern and middle 
short lots in Fredericksburg Precinct. Of this regiment 
John Field was colonel ; Andrew Morehouse, Lieutenant 
colonel; Jonathan Paddock, 1st major; Isaac Tallman, 
2d major; Isaac Crane, adjutant; and Reuben Crosby, 
quartermaster. This regiment included also the militia 
in Pawling. 

The other regiment included all the militia in Freder- 
icksburg (except as above) and Philipse Precincts. The 
officers were: Moses Dusenbury, colonel; Henry Luding- 
ton, lieutenant colonel; Reuben Ferris, 1st major; Joshua 
Nelson, 2d major; Joshua Myrick, adjutant; Solomon 
Hopkins, quartermaster. 

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Historical Record 

The following letter, without date or address, which 
pertains to the situation in Putnam county, is among 
the records of the New York Historical Society : 

"Sir: We esteem it our duty to suggest to your Hon- 
ourable House, that we think the raising a company of 
rangers or county guards in the southern part of Dutchess 
County is very necessary. Our external enemies seem to 
strain every nerve to carry their insiduous plans into 
execution. We have too much reason to believe we have 
daily spies from the British army in our neighborhood. 
We are now, Sir, in pursuit of two persons whom we have 
lately discovered, of whose villainous purpose we have 
sufficient evidence; our treacherous neighbors are in a 
continual agitation, we wish they and their connections 
may be now laboring under the last expiring struggles of 
that inhuman spirit which has so long possessed them. 
However that may be, we beg leave to say that a strict 
attention to their motions is our duty, and that the 
concurrence of the Convention with what is above recom- 
mended, we think may serve to detect them in a great 
degree. If the Honorable House should honor us with 
their concurrence, we beg leave to recommend Nathaniel 
Scribner, of Fredericksburg Precinct as Captain, and 
Joshua Field in Southeast Precinct as lieutenant, of the 
Company, and that they are authorized to enlist their 
Company as soon as possible. For further intelligence 
in this matter, we would refer the House to our worthy 
friend, Doct. Crane. 
We are, Sir, 
"Yours and the Conventions very humble Servts., 

JOHN FIELD, 
JONATHAN PADDOCK." 

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Putnam County 

In the western part of the town of Putnam Valley, 
on the farm of Mr. Leonard Jaycox,* are the remains of 
an encampment of troops, in Revolutionary times. Two 
companies from Hempstead, Long Island, with a de- 
tachment of troops of the Massachusetts line, were 
encamped here in the winters of 1779-80, and the quar- 
ters which they built were called the "Hempstead Huts." 

Late in the fall of 1779, Washington established a line 
of military posts from West Point through this county 
and northern Westchester to Redding in Connecticut; 
the object being to guard against attempts by Sir Henry 
Clinton to pass through the Highlands. General Put- 
nam was stationed at Redding, with some three or four 
thousand men. He had under his command Gen. 
Poor's Hampshire Brigade, two brigades of Connecticut 
troops, a corps of infantry under Col. Hazen, and a corps 
of cavalry under Col. Sheldon. The first post was at the 
house where Capt. Samuel Jeffords lived, after his 
retirement from the army, a short distance north of 
Continental Village. This was called New Boston by the 
Massachusetts officers. The second post was the Hemp- 
stead Huts. 

Col. Beverly Robinson, whose name is so intimately 
connected with the history of this portion of the country, 
was a son of Hon. John Robinson of Virginia, who was 
president of that colony. In early manhood he came to 
New York, where he engaged in business. His marriage 
with Susannah Philipse made him son-in-law of one of the 
wealthiest citizens of the colony and greatly advanced his 
pecuniary prospects. For some time before the Revolu- 

*This farm was purchased in 1907 by the Grand Masonic Lodge, 
New York, for Sanitarium purposes. 

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Historical Record 

tion he made his home in the mansion near Garrisons 
which, from its connection with one of the most important 
episodes in the nation's history, has ever been an object 
of interest and curiosity. Col. Robinson and his wife 
were the only members of the Philipse family who made 
their home on the patent, and he was frequently elected 
supervisor of the precinct, and was prominent in the 
business affairs of the county. 

The Revolution found him quietly settled on his estate, 
enjoying the confidence and good will of his tenant 
neighbors. At first his sympathies appeared to be with 
the colonies and in opposition to the rash measures of the 
British Ministry, and like many others at that time, he 
illustrated his views by giving up the use of imported mer- 
chandise, and clothed himself and his family in domestic 
goods. He was led to relinquish these views by the im- 
portunities of friends, and he entered the military service 
of the Crown. His standing in society entitled him to a 
high rank, and he was made colonel of the "Loyal 
American Legion," raised principally by himself, and he 
also commanded the "Corps of Guides and Pioneers," 
and of the former his son, Beverly, was lieutenant-col- 
onel. During the war he was very prominent in cases of 
defection from the Whig cause, and is generally believed 
to have been privy to Arnold's treason, and was on 
the British man of war" Vulture," at the time when Major 
Andre left the vessel to begin the fatal journey which 
ended when he was laid to rest on the hillside at Tappan. 
After the conviction and sentence of Andre, an unavailing 
attempt was made to save him, and Col. Robinson, as a 
witness, accompanied the three commissioners who were 
sent by Gen. Henry Clinton, and he also forwarded 

130 



Putnam C o u n t y 

to Washington a letter in which he recalled their former 
acquaintance. 

At the close of the Revolution, Col. Robinson, with a 
portion of his family, went to England, and his name 
appears as a member of the first Council of New Bruns- 
wick, but he never took his seat. Upon the establishment 
of the State Government, Col. Robinson and his wife, 
with a multitude of others, were by Act of Attainder, 
passed October 22d, 1779, banished from the State under 
pain of death if they ever returned, and their estates 
were confiscated and sold by the commissioners of for- 
feiture, appointed for that purpose. He died about 1792. 
The British government allowed him and his wife, 
£17,000 for the loss of their estate. 

l/Beverly House, the former home of Col. Beverly 
Robinson, is associated with one of the most important 
episodes of our Revolutionary history. Of the time 
when it was built there is no certain knowledge. CoL 
Robinson seems to have been living there in 1768. The 
original house was probably the central portion of the 
dwelling, and additions on each end were built at different 
times. 

It was here that Benedict Arnold, at the time of his 
treason, had his headquarters. The story of the con- 
spiracy of Arnold, and the fatal journey of Andre, has 
been told so many times that it would be superfluous 
to repeat it here. At the time of his capture, Andre was 
taken to North Castle, and from thence to Salem. From 
the latter place he was sent under a strong guard by the 
way of Continental Village to the house of Beverly 
Robinson. Previous to this a message had been dis- 
patched by Colonel Jameson (in whose custody Andre 
was retained at Salem) to Washington, announcing the 

131 



Historical Record 

capture and containing the papers found concealed in 
the boots of the prisoner. 

At the time of Andre's capture, Washington was on his 
way from Hartford, and changing the route he at first 
proposed to follow, came by way of the Highlands. At 
Fishkill he met the French Minister, M. de La Luzerne, 
and remained with him during the night. Very early the 
next morning he sent off his luggage with orders to the 
men to go as quickly as possible to "Beverly House," and 
give notice to General Arnold that he would be there for 
breakfast. When opposite West Point, Washington 
turned his horse down a road that led to the river. La 
Fayette, who was in company with the commander, 
remarked, "General, you are going in a wrong direction. 
You know Mrs. Arnold is waiting breakfast for us, and 
that road will take us out of the way." To this, the 
General made the joking reply, "Ah, I know you young 
men are all in love with Mrs. Arnold and wish to get 
where she is as soon as possible. You may go and 
take your breakfast with her and tell her not to wait for 
me, for I must ride down and examine the redoubts on 
this side of the river and will be there in a short time." 
The officers, however, remained with him, except two 
aids-de-camp, who rode on to make known the cause of 
the delay. Previous to sending the papers found with 
Andre to Washington, Col. Jameson had sent a letter to 
Arnold, stating that he was sending forward, under 
charge of Lieutenant Allen and a guard, a certain Mr. 
Anderson ("John Anderson" was the assumed name under 
which Andre conducted his negotiations with Arnold) 
who had been taken while on his way to New York, and 
also informing him that the papers found on the prisoner 
had been sent to the commander in chief. 

132 



Putnam County 

Major Benjamin Talmadge, who was next in command 
to Col. Jameson, was absent at the time, and upon his 
return the same evening, learned with astonishment the 
proceedings of Col. Jameson. Upon his urgent request 
a messenger was dispatched to bring Andre back to North 
Castle, but the letter to Arnold was not delayed. 

When the aide-de-camp sent forward by Washington 
arrived at Robinson's house, and it was announced that 
the General would not be there, Arnold, his family, and 
the aide-de-camp sat down to breakfast. While at the 
table, Lieutenant Allen, the messenger sent by Col. 
Jameson, rode up, bearing the letter to Arnold which 
informed him of the failure of all his plans. The traitor 
knew full well that his only chance for safety lay in 
immediate escape. Informing those present that his 
immediate attendance was required at West Point, he 
left the table and went to Mrs. Arnold's chamber and 
sent for her. In hurried words he told her that they 
must instantly part, perhaps forever, as his life depended 
on his reaching the enemies' lines without detection. 
Hastening from the room he is said to have mounted a 
horse belonging to one of the aids of Washington, and 
hastened to the landing place on the river which bears 
the name of "Beverly Dock." Instead of taking the 
usual road he pursued a shorter route, by a foot path, 
which led down a steep hill and across a marsh, and 
which has ever since borne the name of "Arnold's path." 
Entering his barge, he directed the six oarsmen to pull 
for Teller's Point, now know as Underbill's Point, and 
to increase their efforts, two gallons of rum were promised 
as a reward, and thus Benedict Arnold left the military 
post he had plotted to betray. Four hours later the 
messenger dispatched by Col. Jameson arrived, bearing 

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Historical Record 

the fatal documents found on Andre, and also his own 
letter to Washington, revealing his true name and official 
rank. In the meantime the General had gone over to 
West Point to inspect the works, expecting to find Arnold 
there. To his surprise no salute greeted him on his 
approach, and he learned from Colonel Lamb that 
Arnold had not been there, nor been heard from within 
the last two days. After making his inspection, he 
returned about noon to "Beverly Dock," intending to 
dine at Robinson's house. While ascending from the 
river, Alexander Hamilton was seen approaching with a 
hurried step and anxious countenance. The papers 
prepared by Arnold to facilitate the betrayal of the post 
he was commissioned to defend were their own explana- 
tion. Hamilton was at once directed to ride as rapidly 
as possible to Ver Planck's Point, in hopes that he 
might arrive in time to intercept the fugitive. But 
several hours of time had placed him beyond reach, and 
he had escaped from all but his own guilty conscience. 

A letter was at once dispatched to Colonel Jameson, 
at Lower Salem, directing him to send Andre to Robin- 
son's house, under a strong guard. The messenger 
reached his destination at midnight, and a guard under 
Major Talmadge set off with the prisoner, immediately. 
They arrived, after riding all night, and Andre was sent 
with his guard to Stony Point, and from thence toTappan, 
where his trial and execution took place. 

Col. Henry Ludington, a prominent officer in the 
Revolution, was one of the foremost citizens of this 
county. He was born at Branford, Connecticut, May 
25, 1739, and at the age of seventeen enlisted in the 2d 
Regiment of Connecticut troops commanded by Col. 
Nathan Whiting, He was a member of Captain Foote's 

134 



I 



i 



Putnam County 

company, and served as a private in the old French war, 
from 1756 to 1760. Near its close, he was put in charge 
of a band of invalid soldiers, whom he conducted home 
from Canada in safety through the wilds of the northern 
portion of New England, which was then but sparsely 
settled. In 1760 he married his cousin, Abigail Luding- 
ton, and removed to Fredericksburg Precinct soon after. 
Here he leased a tract of more than 200 acres, at the north 
end of Lot No. 6, and built the mills at the place which 
has since borne the name of Ludingtonville in the town of 
Kent. The exact time when he came to this part of the 
county is unknown, but as his name is not mentioned 
in the survey of Lot 6 in 1762, it could not have been 
before that year. The tract of 229 acres was sold to 
Col. Henry Ludington by Samuel Gouverneur and wife, 
July 15, 1812. Previous to that time it had been held 
by lease. 

From the time of his coining to this county to the day 
of his death, he was prominently connected with public 
affairs of this section of country. As a member of the 
committee of safety, and as a military officer, his career 
was marked with the greatest energy and patriotism. 

May 4, 1777, Col. Henry Ludington, John Jay and 
Col. Thomas were appointed commissioners to quell and 
subdue insurrections and disaffections in the counties of 
Dutchess and Westchester, and were directed to cooperate 
with Robert R. Livingston, Zephaniah Piatt and Matt- 
hew Cantine (the committee for a like purpose in the 
Manor of Livingston) and to call aid from the militia of 
George Clinton and McDougall whenever needful. The 
commissioners were also commanded to use every means 
in their power (torture excepted) to compel the discovery 
of spies or other emissaries of the enemy. 

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Historical Record 

Col. Ludington received from Gov. William Tryon a 
commission as captain in Col. Robinson's Regiment, 
February 13th, 1773, but as soon as the Revolution broke 
out he joined the patriot side, and soon after received 
a commission as colonel of this regiment from the 
"Provincial Congress for the Colony of New York." 
This commission is dated June, 1776, and signed by 
Nathaniel Woodhull, president of the Congress. His 
command included all the militia of Philipse Precinct 
and part of Fredericksburg. In May, 1778, another 
commission as colonel was given him by George Clinton, 
the first governor of the State. 

His activity and energy were so conspicuous and 
successful in thwarting the plans of the Tory emissaries 
of General Howe, that a large reward was offered by that 
officer for his capture, dead or alive. 

When the British under General Tryon in April, 1777, 
surprised and burned Danbury and the military stores 
there collected, Col. Ludington was summoned by 
messenger to aid in its defense. His regiment arrived too 
late to be of assistance in saving the town, but joined 
the forces of Gen. Wooster, Silliman and Arnold who 
attacked the enemy at Ridgefield, where Gen. Wooster was 
mortally wounded, and continued to harrass them until 
they re-embarked for New York in their boats on the 
Sound. 

His regiment was brought into service at various 
other times during the war, occupying as it did a re- 
sponsible position on the northern portion of the border- 
land where the cowboys and skinners were a perpetual 
terror, and where Gen. Howe was constantly seeking 
supplies for his army in New York. At the battle of 
White Plains Col. Ludington was detailed as aide-de- 

136 



Putnam County 

camp, by General Washington, who afterward compli- 
mented him on his active assistance. Washington was 
at Col. Ludington's house on several occasions, and once 
in company with Count Rochambeau. 

Col. Ludington died January 24, 1817, and is buried in 
the family plot at Patterson, N. Y. 

The following documents on file in the office of the 
Secretary of War at Washington, D. C, give the location 
of encampments during the war : 

"State and situation of the American Army in the 
vicinity of the North River, March, 1781. 

"About three miles to the northward of Crom pond 
is an encampment of the Rhode Island line: but the 
troops are drawn off to West Point, except part of the 
companies left to guard their baggage. 

'The New Hampshire line are encamped about four 
miles above the Continental Village, within half a mile 
of the main road leading from Peekskill to Fishkill, on the 
east side of the road. Their numbers at present don't 
exceed 200. 

"The Connecticut line are encamped about six miles 
above said village, on the west side of the main road, 
about half a mile distant therefrom, and about one and a 
half miles distant from the North River. The encamp- 
ment is situated in a hollow between two mountains, a 
large brook running between their huts, which are built 
to contain 3,000 men, but deducting those detached from 
the Marquis' Corps, and many on furlough, their num- 
bers at present do not exceed 800." 

19th-March, 1781. "Winat (Wynant) Williamson 
returned from Dutchess county, where he has been for 
two months past. He says: 

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Historical Record 

"One Brigade (formerly Poor's) are hutted at Van 
Tassel's, three or four miles from Continental Village. 

"Another at Continental Village, and along the road 
up to Hopper's, called the Soldier's fortune." 

April 31st, 1781. "Wynant Williamson, who I had 
sent out for information respecting the Highlands, and 
directed him to go to a particular friend, who lives very 
near West Point. He returned this day and says he saw 
my friend, was with him a whole day (last Thursday), 
and had the information from him. 

"B. ROBINSON." 

"General Heath commands at West Point. 

"East side of the river, 200 of the Continental line 
commanded by Col. Darby, under Bull Hill. 

'The New Hampshire Line at Canopus Hollow, in 
number about 600 — 500 are just inoculated. 

'The two redoubts on the East side are commanded 
by Captain Johnson, with one company of men. 

"Col. Smith with one Regiment of about 100 men on 
Hyatt's hill east of Doctor Perry." 

About a mile northeast of Cold Spring village, are the 
remains of an encampment of Revolutionary times. 

On Erskine's military map (1780) barracks are located 
on the Post road, in the northern part of the town of 
Philipstown, and in view of West Point and its vicinity, 
made by Major L.' Enfant, an army engineer; about the 
same time large encampments of troops were represented 
as occupying the site of" Undercliff" and also on the south 
part of Constitution Island. Erskine's map also shows a 
row of tents extending from Margaret Brook along the 
present Chestnut street and Morris Avenue, of Cold 
Spring. 

138 



Putnam County 
PUTNAM COUNTY DURING THE CIVIL WAR 

On the 19th of January, 1861, Colonel Ryder of Peeks- 
kill notified his companies of militia to prepare for active 
service and to secure the requisite amount of ammuni- 
tion. 

Meetings of citizens in various villages of the county 
were reported. A flag raising on the farm of S. K. 
Ferris. A public meeting at Red Mills, at which Leonard 
Clift was chairman, was held April 26th. 

The following information is derived from the files of 
the contemporary local newspapers: 

Military matters in Putnam Co.: Head Quarters of 
the Engineer Co., 18th Regt., Cold Spring, April 22d. 
The following volunteers have joined the Engineer 
Corps since orders were issued by Col. James Ryder, and 
recruited by Capt. Sylvester B. Truesdell, at Cold Spring: ■■ 
Albert N. Baxter, Lewis N. Squires, Isaac Ferris, 
Robinson Hopper, W. H. Warren, Nelson Devoe, Benj. 
Van Tassel, Perry Ferris, James Caldwell, O. Smith, 
Charles Purdy, Wm. B. Bloomer, Wm. H. Odell, Michael 
Speedling, Orin B. Nelson, Daniel Hopper, George 
Hopper, Albert Wright, Henry Brewer, Charles E. 
Turner, Henry Dore, Chauncey Garrison, Charles 
Barton, Edward Sweeney, Charles Rogers, Isaac Van 
Tassel. 

April 22d. The old members of the Corps number 
about twenty besides the Captain. "We hear that the 
members of the Corps at Carmel are astir and have 
enrolled 20 volunteers, who will be ready at the call 
of the Colonel." 

May 11th. "Carmel Volunteers. On last Monday 
five men left this village for New York to join the 2nd 

139 



Historical Record 

Regt., Scott's Life Guards, commanded by Col. J. H. 
Hobart Ward. Their names are Willis Norris, Joseph 
Robinson, Isaac Lockwood, Francis Gregory and Crane 
Hopkins." Wm. Bailey, youngest son of Hon. B. Bailey, | 
had previously joined. Joseph Shaw and John Cox had 
previously enlisted, the latter in a Brooklyn Regiment. 

Aug. 3rd, brings the sad news of Philo E. Lewis, of * 
Patterson, reported killed at Bull Run. Samuel Hart of 
Kent missing. William F. Bailey and Jeremiah W. 
Hazen were sick in hospital at Alexandria, also Joseph 
Shaw. 

Aug. 17th. Samuel E. Hart reported a prisoner at 
Richmond. Capt. Jeremiah Sherwood, of Garrisons, 
who is attached to Col. Serrel's Regt. visited Cold Spring 
and Brewster for the purpose of recruiting his Company. 
Ex Judge Parrott, of West Point Foundry Mill will fur- 
nish a battery of six rifled cannon, which is to accompany \ 
the Regiment. "Capt. Sherwood has served in the 
artillery and infantry and was for three years in the 
regular army, and was stationed in California during the 
Mexican War." 

Aug. 23d. Grand Union Meeting held at Brewster 
for the purpose of considering what measures were best for 
the citizens of this town to best support the Constitution 
and the Laws, and maintain the Government. 150 per- 
sons present, , Edward Howes, Esq., Chairman; Thos. 
H. Reed, Secretary; Patriotic speeches made by A. B. 
Marvin, Esq., Edward Howes, Esq., and others." All 
party lines were obliterated, the grand inspiring idea 
being the Union, the whole Union, and nothing but the 
Union. A committee consisting of F. E. Foster, Wm. T. 
Ga Nun and Tho. H. Reed, were appointed to draw up a 
Constitution. Wm. T. Ga Nun, Piatt Brush and Smith 



140 






[ 



i 



Putnam County 

G. Hunt were appointed Town Central Committee, 
whose business it should be to look after the interests of 
the Union cause in our midst, and do what they could to 
enlist the sympathies of all in the cause of our Country 
and the suppression of Rebellion. A committee of A. B. 
Marvin, Col. James Ryder and George Hine were 
appointed to report in relation to the organization of a 
military Co. in our town to be called the Home Guards. 
The subject of raising a fund for the support of the 
families of volunteers was favorably discussed and 
Jarvis Pugsley who that day enlisted was assured that 

his family should be well cared for during his absence. 

* * * >> 

"PUTNAM GUARDS." 

"This Company is about being organized for the war, 
under the command of Capt. John Hazen, late of the 71st 
Regt. N. Y. State Militia; to be composed entirely of 
men from Putnam County. Those wishing to enlist can 
do so by giving their names to the Captain at Brewster's 
Station, N. Y." 

An advertisement also appeared announcing that Col. 
Serrel's Regiment of engineers and artisans had been 
accepted, and that 100 able men were wanted at the 
recruiting office at Garrisons. 

Sept. 7th. County Mass Meeting, at Carmel, Hon. 
John Garrison, Chairman; John Hopkins, David Kent, 
James Cole, Samuel Kent, Edward Howes, Leonard D. 
Cliff, Vice Presidents; Tho. H. Reed and Joseph Strang, 
Secretaries. Judge Garrison, on taking the chair, 
thanked the convention for the honor and said 'I have 
voted the Democratic ticket for forty years, and last fall 
I voted for John C. Breckenridge, but I thank God that 

141 



Historical Record 

I lost my vote, and am proud to stand here with my 
fellow citizens of all parties, to ground our party weapons, 
and join in battling for the welfare of our common 
country.' Tho. H. Reed, Edward Howes, Samuel Kent, 
Isaac Lounsbury, John Cole, George Ludington, Henry 
W. Belcher, Samuel A. Townsend and A. S. Van Duzer 
were appointed delegates to attend the People's Union 
State Convention, at Syracuse. 

"Resolved that it is the duty of every patriotic citizen 
to favor a vigorous prosecution of the war for the preser- 
vation of the Union; ignoring all political parties and 
party creeds, as embarrassing and dangerous until after 
the war is over." 

Patriotic resolutions were passed at the Republican 
County Convention. 

Wm. F. Bailey, Brigade Clerk, 8th Brigade, returns 
thanks to the ladies for the liberal donation of a uniform, 
on the occasion of his transfer from Co. D., 38th Regt., to 
a position of trust in the 8th Brigade. 

Sept. 21st. 'We learn that recruiting officers in this 
County are meeting with flattering success. Quarter 
Master Sears has quite a number enlisted. Capt. Hazen 
is daily adding to his list and Mr. A. W. Mattice, who 
only exhibited his authority to recruit men, on the 7th, 
hajs from that day to the 18th, recruited 11 men. He is 
enlisting for Col. Dunham's Regiment." 

A. W. Mattice announces that "an exclusive Putnam 
Co. Company is now being recruited at Carmel, and that I 
the Company has the privilege of selecting their own 
officers." 

Sept. 28th, A. W. Mattice has enlisted 23 men, for a 
Company to be called Putnam Rifles. 

142 



Putnam County 

Grand Mass Meeting at Putnam Valley, held at Lake 
Oscawana House. Wm. C. Lickley, Pres. The meeeting 
was addressed by Hon. Benj. Bailey. 

Oct. 5th. "Capt. Mattice has met with unequalled 
success. He had the names of 26 men registered on the 
Company Roll on last Tuesday night. George H. Lewis, 
Daniel F. Ferguson, Harvey H. Smalley, Henry B.Wixon, 
Joseph Sprague, Samuel Berry, Henry Wilson, Ira Conk- 
lin, Ozis Head, John Head, Hamilton Stewart, John M. 
Conklin, Francis Martin, John W. Gregory, Daniel 
Benjamin, Daniel D. Miller, Charles Tilford, Samuel 
Dexter, George Gaming, W. S. Horton, Daniel Miller, 
Sylvester Tompkins, James Tilford, David Hopkins, 
J. J. Light, Wm. J. Collins (drummer)." 

Oct. 12th. "Capt. A. W. Mattice took six more men 
to New York on the 9th. David Hopkins, John W. 
Gregory, Tho. Reordan, Cornelius Peirce, Reuben 
Sutton, Henry Wilkins." 

Oct. 19th. "The Putnam Rifles recruited by Capt. 
Mattice of this village now number 32 men, and have been 
accepted and mustered into the IT. S. service, and desig- 
nated as Co. K. of the Cameron Legion Regt., command- 
ed by Col. Charles A. Dunham. At a company election 
A. W. Mattice was chosen Captain; Cornelius H. Peirce, 
of Lake Mahopac, 1st Lieut. When the Captain left 
the camp at Saltersville, N. J., Harvey Wilson of Carmel 
was drilling the Company, as Orderly Sergeant." 

Nov. 30th. "Wm. F. Bailey, of Carmel, who held the 
Clerkship in the 8th Brigade returned home on Saturday 
last, and is authorised to raise a Company, of which he is 
to be Captain for the 3d Regt. Capt. Bailey will recruit 
his Company in this and adjacent counties, and as he 
was one of the first to enlist, and has been in active, dan- 

143 



Historical Record 

gerous service, we wish him every success. His Com- 
pany has been named the Weeks Guard, in honor of Hon. 
Chauncey R. Weeks, who has furnished much substantial 
aid." 

Dec. 2d. "A. W. Mattice, Lieut, of Co. I., 59th Regt., 
whose Company is now in Washington, is at home to 
obtain a few more recruits to raise his Company to the 
maximum number." 

Dec. 28th. "Twenty recruits have been obtained by 
Capt. Wm. F. Bailey whose Company, the Weeks Guard, 
is attached to Col. Jenkin's Regt. and is now in Camp at 
Sing Sing." 

Jan. 24, 1862. "This Company is rapidly rilling up. 
40 recruits have been mustered in. It has an efficient 
and powerful patron in the person of Hon. Chauncey 
R. Weeks." 

Feb. 15th. "The report has arrived of the death of 
John C. Dean, of Carmel, a member of Co. J. 59th Regt., 
and son of Milton N. Dean. He died at Camp Sherman, 
D. C. Also Report of the death of Sutton Ga Nun, a 
volunteer from Brewster." 

March 27th. "The Weeks Guard from this county, 
and a portion of a Company from White Plains and 
another from Peekskill, in the 3d Regiment were con- 
solidated, forming one Company of 104 men, and on 
Friday last their Regt. was consolidated with the Warren 
Rifles, from Rockland County, and the Regiment is now 
the 95th N. Y .S. V. Lieut. Wm. F. Bailey was pro- 
moted to be Captain of the consolidated company. It 
left for the seat of war last Saturday. Capt. Bailey 
on his hasty departure, requested us to tender his ac- 
knowledgement to many gentlemen of the County to 
whose liberality he attributes his success." 

144 





fj$-e,UJuy 




>~?/Q) 



i 



I 



; 



Putnam County 

March 22d. "Sergeant Harvey Wilson, of the 95th 
Regt. is now on recruiting duty in the County." 

"It gives us pleasure to mention the brilliant conduct 
of young Mr. J. B. Van Duzer, in the late engagement 
with the Merrimack, in Hampton Roads. Mr. Van Duzer 
was Master's mate on board the Minnesota, and com- 
manded the 3d Division of Guns. His Division was 
especially mentioned as making the best line shots. 
Who will not agree with us that the worthy lady who 
presided over the Carmel Relief Society has reason to be 
proud of her patriotic sons." 

J. B. Van Duzer was a son of Selah Van Duzer; 
another son was Lieutenant in a Cavalry Regiment, while 
still another was an officer on board the steamer Mo- 
hawk. 

June 7th. "The Co. of Capt. Mattice and Paulding's 
Co. of Peekskill have been consolidated. Paulding was 
made Captain of the new Company on account of his 
having the greater number of men, and Capt. Mattice 
was made 1st Lieut. Capt. Paulding resigned, and 
Mattice was then commissioned as Captain of the 
Company, which was Co. I. 59th Regt., and is stationed 
at Tenallytown, D. C." 

June 14th. "The remains of Daniel W. Travis, son 
of Jeremiah Travis of Kent, were brought home and 
interred in the Baptist burying ground at Red Mills. 
He was a member of the 13th Mich. Regt., to which 
State he went in 1854, and he died at Nashville, Tenn." 

June 30th. News of the death of Martin Baxter, 
son of Moses Baxter, of Putnam Valley. He was Order- 
ly in Co. G., 38th Regt., N. Y. V., and was killed at the 
battle of Seven Pines, and buried on the field. 

145 



Historical Record 

July 19th. Joseph Shaw of Co. F., 38th Regt., is 
reported sick at David's Island. 

He died and was buried in the Presbyterian Cemetery, 
Carmel. 

Aug. 2d, comes the report of the death of Lieut. 
Charles F. Van Duzer, who was killed at the battle of 
Gaines Mills, June 27th. 

On the 16th of August, 1862, came the announcement 
of the draft made necessary to fill the wasted armies of 
the country. The people of Southeast raised a fund of 
$2,600, as a town bounty fund, to be paid to volunteers. 
Capt. George H. Dean began recruiting and obtained six 
recruits in a week. He belonged to the 1st Batallion of 
Mounted Rifles, Col. C. C. Dodge. 

Aug. 23rd. The people are aroused, 2 large public 
meetings were held at Cold Spring, Farmer's Mills, 
Ludingtonville, Brewster, Carmel, Lake Mahopac, Red 
Mills and Tompkins' Corners. A fund has been raised 
in the several towns for volunteering. The County is 
required to raise two full Companies. 160 men have 
already enlisted. 

"Webster Smith, of Farmer's Mills, has sold his 
business and a company of men have bought his store and 
tavern, and he is now recruiting a Company for the war. 
He has already obtained twelve men, in and around 
Farmer's Mills. He is just the man needed for the occa- 
sion, and deserves all the assistance that the loyal and 
patriotic citizens can give him." 

"A Special Town Meeting was held for the town of 
Carmel, at Lake Mahopac, on Aug. 21st, to vote a boun- 
ty of $100 for each volunteer. Out of 134 votes all but 
two were in favor." 

146 



Putnam C ounty 

" Charles E. Benedict, late Editor of the Putnam County 
Courier, has enlisted in an Orange County Regiment." 

He contracted camp fever in the service, and returning 
home, died at his father's residence, at Warwick, Orange 
County, Nov. 1, 1862. 

Aug. 16th. War Meeting at Lake Mahopac; Leon- 
ard D. Clift, Chairman. An address was delivered by 
Rev. Henry Ward Beecher, who spoke with his unequalled 
eloquence. Patriotic resolutions were passed. C. H. 
Ludington, of New York, donated $500 to aid the cause 
of volunteering. 

Aug. 30th. "Kent in a patriotic blaze. We hear that 
36 volunteers have been obtained from that town, and as 
her quota under both calls is 45 men, only nine more are 
wanted to fill it. Kent will be the banner town of Old 
Putnam. George Ludington and Addison J. Hopkins are 
the enrolling officers." 

The following were the quotas of each town under the 
first draft: 

Carmel 70 

Philipstown 141 

Kent 45 

Patterson 46 

Putnam Valley 49 

Southeast 73 



424 

Sept. 6th. "Kent filled her quota in eleven days. A 
company of men bought out Webster Smith's store, 
tavern and property, at Farmer's Mills, and he is now a 
Captain, and with a large part of the volunteers is on the 
route to Washington." 

147 



Historical Record 

Sept. 13th. "A large and enthusiastic meeting was 
held at Smalley's Hotel, Carmel; Hon. Chauncey Weeks, 
President. George Ludington offered a bounty of $120 
to every man who should enlist. In the evening another 
meeting was held in the Court House: Joseph Cole, Esq., 
President. Another spirited meeting at Red Mills on 
last Wednesday night, and one at Towners Station last 
night. Another this afternoon at Lake Mahopac, and 
one will be held at the house of Daniel Drew, next 
Monday evening." 

"Anthony Wayne Guards, 135th Regt. The organiz- 
ation of this Regt. has been completed in a very short 
time; but two weeks were occupied in recruiting Co. G., 
Webster Smith, Captain; Stephen Baker, 1st Lieut.; 
Charles F. Hazen, 2nd Lieut. ; Number of men, 101. The 
men from Kent, Carmel and Southeast. Rev. H. W. 
Smuller, of Carmel, was appointed Chaplain." 

Sept. 27th. "List of killed and wounded in Co. I. 
59th Regt. Capt. Mattice, at the Battle of Antietam, 
Sept. 17th. Killed : Pierce Miller, Edgar Sutton, J. S. D. 
Riker, Herman Wilson, George Sweet, Hamilton Stew- 
art. Wounded: Harvey N. Wilson, George Walters, 
Wm. N. Pratt, Edward Williams, Samuel N. Dexter, 
John Acker, Tho. Brady, Samuel Berry, Tho. Kirch, 
James I. Light, James Martin, Andrew Proud, Henry 

B. Wixon, Daniel D. Wixon, Wm. W. Dean, Patrick Dorly, 

C. Cronk, Wm. Horton, Elias Tilford, Nelson Mead, 
Harvey Smalley." 

"Capt. Win. F. Bailey was honorably discharged from 
the army, Aug. 31st, 1862." 

Jan. 16th, 1863. "Webster Smith's Co., attached to 
6th Artillery Regt. The report has arrived of the death 

148 






Putnam County 

of Wm. Frost of Co. D. He was a young man from 
Patterson." 

Feb. 24th. "The Board of Supervisors of Putnam 
County convened for the purpose of authorizing the 
collection of bounty money, paid by the various towns." 

March 14th. "Harvy N. Wilson, Orderly Sergeant 
of Co. J., 95th Regt., died in the General Hospital, 
Frederick, Maryland, March 7th, of wounds received at 
Antietam. His remains were brought home and buried 
in the Baptist burying ground, Carmel." 

Major-General Couch, who commanded the 2d Army 
Corps of the Army of the Potomac, was a native of the 
town of Southeast. 

May 2d, 1863. " Jabez Robinson of Carmel, in Capt. 
Mattice's Co., was wounded at Fair Oaks, and honorably 
discharged." 

May 9th. "Lieut. Charles F. Hazen died on Saturday 
last at Maryland Heights. He belonged to 6th New York 
Artillery, and perished at the early age of 32. He was 
buried at the Baptist burying ground, Carmel." 

Sept. 23d. Quota of each town for the draft or- 
dered: Philipstown, 190; Southeast, 79; Carmel, 68; 
Putnam Valley, 38; Kent, 36; Patterson, 36. 

Dec. 26th. "Lieut. G. Doughty Hyatt, of Putnam 
Valley, has been presented with a splendid sword." 

May 14, 1864. Quota of each town under draft of 
1864: Philipstown, 72; Carmel, 45; Putnam Valley, 45. 

Lieut. Horton R. Piatt, killed at Spottsylvania Court 
House, May 16th, 1864. 

Special meeting of Supervisors, held July 28th and 
bonds were issued to the amount of $75,000. These 
were sold at public auction and were bought by George 

149 






Historical Record 

Mortimer Belden, at 1 per cent premium. Bonds to the 
amount of $20,000 were afterwards issued. 

Nov. 5th. "Jarvis Pugsley, who has served three years 
and been wounded, has been discharged." 

"Oscar Knapp of 4th Artillery, who has been in almost 
every battle and in one charge had his clothes perforated 
by several balls, has been discharged." 

Jan. 3, 1865. Special town meeting in Patterson. 
Resolved that every man who shall pay to a committee 
appointed for that purpose, the sum of $25, shall be 
secured from draft, and the Supervisor and Town Clerk 
were authorized to raise a sum necessary to supply the 
draft. 

Jan. 28th. "Hon. Robert P. Parrott, of West Point 
Foundry, has paid the taxes of all the widows and of the 
soldiers absent to the war, residing in Philipstown. This 
is but one of the many good acts flowing from his generous 
heart and kindly hand." 

The whole number of credits since the establishment 
of the Provost Marshall's office at Tarrytown: 

Philipstown, 294; Putnam Valley, 104; 

Carmel, 137; Southeast, 147; 

Kent, 80; Patterson, 88. 

From the information available it is impossible to give 
anything like a complete record of Putnam county vol- 
unteers. The following list contains the names, so far 
as ascertained, of those enlisting from this county, with 
the regiments in which they served. 
1st Regiment, Mounted Rifles, Co. I: 

150 




WILLIAM BROWN 



Putnam County 

Foster C. Carl, James McCollum, William H. Nixon, 
Stopplebaam. 

4th Regiment Heavy Artillery, Co. A: 

Thomas D. Sears, Capt.; Martin V. B. Akin, Orderly; 
Henry W. Hay den, Sergeant; Oscar Knapp, Stephen 
D. Butler, Peter Carr, Lindon J. Cowl, Zephaniah Denny, 
Wm. E. Doane, Silas Haviland, George H. Hubbard, 
Merritt Washburn, Bernard McEnnaly, James McDon- 
ald, Elisha Penny, Mills Reynolds, Leonard H. Secor, 
James P. Rogers, Levi Benedict, Obed P. Townsend, 
Herman H. Cole, Charles Bradley, John Sweetman, 
Capt., James P. Rogers, Lewis P. Rogers, Joseph Sprague, 
David H. Terrill, Elijah Wilson, Elbert Wilson, George 
W. Wixon, James Wynn, Horace Eastwood, Norman 
Davis, James Morey, Ephraim Davis, John S. Trow- 
bridge, McGlohlin. 

135th Regiment, N. Y. S. V., Co. D: 

Charles P. Crosby, Sergeant; Sylvester Forkel, William 
G. Barnes, James I. Turner, Josiah D. Baker, Ferris 
Barrett, Daniel Burch, Frederick Butler, Solomon Car- 
penter, Clarence Cowl, George W. Cowl, James H. 
Couch, Herman B. Crosby, Augustus Eastwood, Lathrop 
Eddy, William Frost, James E. Grant, Martin Needham, 
Eli R. Smith, George P. Taylor, David Washburn, 
Henry Worden. 
xS 135th Regiment, N. Y. S. V., Co. G: 

Webster Smith, Captain; Stephen Baker, 1st Lieut.; 
Charles F. Hazen, 2d Lieut.; Edward Bailey, Sergeant; 
Seymour B. Phillips, Sergeant; Wm. S. Hadley, Sergeant; 
Hart Wright, Sergeant; James E. Lee, Sergeant; David 
Wixon, Corporal; James Ostrander, Corporal; Walter S. 
Robson, Corporal; Michael McGarrick, Corporal; Petrus 
S. Halstead, Corporal; John S. Sherwood, Corporal; 

151 



Historical Record 

William Ames, Jeremiah Austin, Isaac Barrett, Vincent 
Barrett, Lorenzo Bacon, Gilbert D. Bailey, Joel Bates, 
William Burns, Samuel A. Bailey, Franklin Bowdy, 
Alonzo C. Collins, Thomas L. Corbon, Samuel A. Coe, 
,^/Myron Dingee, Alfred Dexter, Charles Davis, Philip 
W. Dexter, George H. Davis, Leonard Dexter; John 
Dexter; Francis H. Everett, George E. Foshay, Joseph 
Furguson, Elias L. Ferguson, Jeremiah Frost, Gilbert 
Forman, James Galbreth, Bailey Garning, Alonzo Ga- 
nung, Oliver H. Gay, Urban T. Housler, James T. Hart, 
Eli W. Hart, Henry H. Harris, Hiram Hitchcock, Joseph 
B. Hutchins, John C.Jordan, Horace Kirk, Albert Knapp, 
William D. Light, Daniel T. Ludlow, Thomas Lyons, 
Robert G. Lee, Albert W. Lent, Elvin Mead, James Mc- 
Donald, James Morrisroe, Lewis Martin, Joseph L. Par- 
ker, John R. Parker, Isaac W. Parker, Horace Quick, 
Vincent Russel, James A. Rundle, William Robinson, 
James Ritchie, Sanford Reynolds, Henry C. Reed, John 
L. Smalley, Alonzo B. Spencer, James K. Screder, Garret 
E. Smalley, William H. Smith, Edwin Smith, William 
Satterly, Joseph I. Smalley, Michael Supple, Dennis 
Sculley, Orman Smith, William H. Tilford, James O. 
Trowbridge, Abraham B. Trowbridge, Edward Tilford, 
George Williams, Henry Wildman, Levi Williams, Silas 
Williams, James T. Wright. 

38th Regiment, N. Y. S. V.: 

Jeremiah W. Hazen, Samuel T. Hart, Horace Bailey, 
Isaac Lock wood, Francis Gregory, Joseph Robinson, 
Joseph E. Shaw, Robert A. Shaw, William Robinson, 
Thomas Washburn, William F. Bailey. 

6th Regiment Artillery, N. Y. S. V., Co. L: Sylvester 
B. Truesdell, Captain; Lewis L. Young, 1st Lieut.; 
William G. Ferris, 2d Lieut.; Tompkins Minthorne, 1st 

152 



Putnam County 

Sergeant; William R. Vreedenburg, 2d Sergeant; John 
McKechnie, 3rd Sergeant; Willam R. Bloomer, 4th 
Sergeant; William Emerson, 5th Sergeant; Alonzo Light, 
Corporal; Theodore McEwen, Corporal; James H. 
Prince, Corporal; William B. Dykeman, Corporal; 
Harrison Crane, Corporal; Matthew Rack, Corporal; 
Theodore Lovelace, Corporal ; John Hamilton, Corporal ; 
Dennis Scully, John McGowan, Enoch Griffith, Jordan 
Ackerman, James Ritchie, Frank Everitt, William Sat- 
terlee, William C. Brewster, Sanford Reynolds, James 
Ashmond, Thomas Agnew, William Barton, James 
Barnes, James Britliffe, Martin Burton, Elijah Ballard, 
George W. Bratton, Ferris Briggs, Guernsey B. Banks, 
Francis N. Booth, James Brown, Robert Cambel, 
Jameson Clark, William Cubbitt, Francis Coxe, John 
Cambell, Fraz. G. Gauzler, John D. Crawford, William 
Dobbs, John J. Davis, George W. Denney, John P. 
Daniels, John Jordan, Dingee Barrett, George H. Davis, 
Charles Davis, George E. Dean, William Denike, Langdon 
R. Daniels, Charles Dykeman, Samuel Ehret, Isaac D. 
Finch, Perry Ferris, Harrison Ferris, Milton Ferris, 
Isaac Ferris, Thomas Flood, Hubert Fallon, Abraham 
Ferguson, David Frost, Lemuel French, Willis S. Gorham, 
William Gilbert, John Jay Griffin, Sylvanus Haight, 
William Hitherton, Henry Horton, Edward Bailey, 
Jacob Tilford, Harrison Crane, James Ritchie, Albert Hor- 
ton, Luke Higgins, Thomas Hamilton, Thomas Higgins, 
Alanson Hoyt, Joseph Hopkins, Edward Ireland, Rich- 
mond Ireland, John Jennings, W T illiam H. Kimble, Charles 
Kimble, Andrew J. Light, Justus Lake, Coleman Light, 
John W. Light, Michael Mott, David J. Meeks, Dennis 
Mahony, Andrew Moody, Michael McGowan, James 
McGan, Theodore Merritt, Gilbert Wright, Fred. R. 

153 



Historical Record 

Hall, Gilbert Bailey, Peter Halstead, William S. Hadley, 
Joseph Bates, Alexander McQuillan, Joseph McLean, 
Thomas Newman, Robert Newman, Alexander Nelson, 
Nelson Odell, Hugh Pleaven, James Queen, William A. 
Russell, William Rooney, Silas Smalley, Edward Sweeney, 
John Sweeney, John P. Shriver, James E. Smalley, 
Rowland Sprague, Seymour Townsend, Asa H. Thomas, 
James Turner, Elias Townsend, Warren C. Townsend, 
Darius Townsend, Isaac Van Tassel, Uriah Wallace, 
James W. Wallace, David B. Williams, John W. Weeks, 
Daniel Whaley, Frederick Warren, James Warren, 
Augustus Warren, William H. Weeks, John White, 
Valentine Williams. 

6th Regiment Artillery, N. Y. S. V., Co. M: Donaldson 
Effingham, 2d Lieut. 

13th Regiment, N. Y. S. V., Co. C: 

Stephen Ray, 

59th Regiment, N. Y. S. V., Co. I: 

Gilbert Reed, Alexander G. Smith, Nelson Mead, John 
C. Dean. 

95th Regiment, N. Y. S. V., Co. K: 

Elbert F. Bailey, Sergeant; Zephaniah Dakins, Jr., 
Jacob Brown, Thomas Booth, Harvey Wilson, Sergeant; 
John S. Boyd, Patrick Burns, John Barret, Jeremiah 
Curry, Oliver Daniels, John P. Daniels, George W. 
Dakins, John M. Griffin, Henry Horton, Lewis Latham, 
Charles W. Leveridge, William H. Miller, John J. 
Miller, Charles H. Miller, Abraham B. Travis, Stephen 
Worden, John Hilliker, William H. Heady, W. H. Kirk, 
Alvah Kirk, John Kruly, Henry Otis, Samuel Rhodes, 
Silas Seickler, Thomas Stimson, David W. Travis, 
Charles H. Travis, Patrick Tracy, Peter Worden, Joshua 
B. Young. 

154 



Putnam County 

Of Co. K., 95th Regiment, Captain William F. Bailey 
was commander. The company was a consolidated one 
composed of parts of companies from this county and 
from Westchester and Rockland. 

In Regiments of other States : 

Francis A. Bush, 27th Iowa Regiment; Byron Crosby, 
7th Conn. Regiment; Francis O. Myers, 54th Mass. 
Regiment; John Scruzar, Duryea's Zouaves ; William W. 
Newman, 7th Conn. Regiment; Chauncey Philips, 29th 
Conn. Regiment; Samuel Berry, 16th U. S. Infantry; 
John Davis, 7th Conn. Regiment; Frank Wells, Captain 
13th Conn. Regiment; Harvey Newell; Lieut. F. Bur- 
dick, killed in action; Daniel J. D. Crane, buried at 
Milltown. 7th Conn. Regiment: James Ballard, 
James Howard, John C. Swords, Henry Williams. 88th 
Ind. Regiment: Samuel R. Burch, John M. Sloane, Brush 
Trowbridge, Sergeant Hart. 11th Penn. Regiment: 
George H. Crosby, William H. Sweetman. 



155 



' 



CHAPTER VII 

i 
THE TOWN OF CARMEL 

THIS town was taken from Frederickstown, March 
17, 1795, and includes the southern half of Lots 
5 and 6 of the Philipse Patent. A small portion 
of the northwest corner was annexed to Putnam Valley 
in 1861. It is bounded on the north by the town of 
Kent; east by the town of Southeast; south by West- 
chester county, and west by the town of Putnam Valley. 

It is named after a mountain in Palestine, on the 
southern frontier of Galilee, constituting a part of 
Lebanon. From its supposed resemblance to Mount 
Carmel, "which consists of several rich, woody heights, 
separated by fertile and habitable valleys," it was 
christened as above. 

Its surface is rolling and hilly, with intervening valleys 
extending north and south. Peekskill Hollow Range 
and Bull Hill are the highest summits. There are 
several beautiful lakes within its borders, the principal 
of which are Lake Mahopac, Kirk, Gleneida, Gilead 
and Long Pond. 

The earliest account of a settlement in this town is 
derived from the Hamblin family. In the year 1739 
Eleazer Hamblin, with his family, left Cape Cod to seek 
a home in New York. On his way he stopped at the 
house of John Hazen in Norwich, where he left his family > 
and went forward alone to seek a suitable place for 
settling. On his return he found that his daughter 
Sarah had married Caleb Hazen, the son of his host 

156 



Putnam County 

His son-in-law went with him, and both settled in what 
is now the town of Carmel. Caleb Hazen settled at what 
has since been called Hazen Hill, about a mile southwest 
of the village of Carmel. Near this place he had in later 
years a forge and a small furnace for melting iron. 
Traces of this furnace may still be seen. 

George Hughson is supposed to have settled at the 
north end of Lake Mahopac about 1740. In the state- 
ment of Ninham, the Indian sachem, it is seen that 
many persons settled at an early date on the eastern part 
of Philipse patent as tenants of the Indians who claimed 
the land, or by their permission. Timothy Shaw set- 
tled at the north end of Lake Gleneida, which was for- 
merly known as Shaw's Pond. From his affidavit (See 
p. 82) made in 1767, in which he states that he is well 
acquainted with all the settlements that have been made 
in these parts within twenty-five years, it is gathered 
that he must have been here as early as 1742, and was 
therefore doubtless the first settler in the present village 
of Carmel. 

On the road to Carmel, just north of Lake Mahopac, 
stood an old house, built by Nathaniel Crane for his son- 
in-law, Ammon Fowler, who sold it with eighty acres of 
land adjoining to Lewis B. Griffin in 1846, who in turn 
sold it to Elias H. Herrick. The house was torn down 
in 1898. The exact date of its structure is unknown, but 
it was about the first part of the last century, or the last 
part of the eighteenth century. At one time it was used 
as a Methodist parsonage. 

About 1741 William and Uriah Hill began to clear a 
tract of land at Red Mills which had been purchased 
of the Indians, by their father, Anthony Hill of West- 
chester County, who came to America in 1720. It is 

157 



Historical Record 

said that Uriah made himself obnoxious to the Indians 
and was obliged to leave. William continued here and 
in 1765 purchased of Roger Morris and his wife a tract 
on which he made settlement. This property is still in 
the possession of his descendants. 

A mill, constructed with massive timbers and covered 
with cedar slabs, built in 1756 at the outlet of Lake Ma- 
hopac, stood for more than a century, and was known as 
the "Red Mills," because of the color of the cedar. 
These mills were built by Roger Morris and Beverly 
Robinson, and were sold in 1781 by the commissioners 
of forfeiture. 

May 16, 1781, Samuel Dodge, John Hathorn and 
Daniel Graham, commissioners of forfeiture, sold to 
William Smith "All that certain tract or parcel of land 
called the 'Mills Farms,' containing 188 acres more or 
less. Together with all and singular the advantages and 
privileges heretobefore derived to the mills on the farm 
by the water issuing out of the two ponds with their 
outlets and several streams thereof, and including the 
large island in the large pond called Hustins Pond." 
The mills and the land adjoining were sold by William 
Smith to Robert Johnston about 1797, who left the pro- 
perty to his son, William H. Johnston, who died in 1828, 
leaving a will by which he authorized his executors to 
sell his real estate. In accordance with this provision 
they conveyed to Cornelius Tompkins, May 1, 1829, 
122 acres of land, "together with all the water privileges 
of the great and little ponds as heretofore belonged to 
Robert Johnston, deceased." January 1, 1835, Cor- 
nelius Tompkins sold the same to John Haff and Ira Dean 
for $12,000. October 4, 1837, they were sold by John 
Haff and his assignees to Amzi L. Dean and Isaac 

158 



\ 




WILLIAM HENRY ROGERS 









1, 



Putnam County 

Lounsbury. Dean sold his share to Lounsbury in 1840, 
who in turn sold the mills to Amzi Slawson, March 31, 
1855. Subsequently it changed hands many times, and 
finally was bought, January 2, 1866, by Thomas J. 
McArthur for the "Empire Sewing Machine Company." 
January 10, 1869, the entire premises and water rights 
were purchased by the Mahopac Manufacturing Com- 
pany, who had also established a large manufactory on 
the Muscoot River in Westchester county. However, 
the Board of Water Commissioners of the City of New 
York took possession of all water privileges of the two 
lakes before this company was able to send machinery 
or begin operations. For several years the city paid an 
annual rent for this privilege, but under the Act of 
1879 for enlarging the powers of the commissioners, the 
premises were taken for the use of the city. On June 
14, 1881, Hubert O. Thompson, Commissioner of the 
Department of Public Works, offered for sale at auction 
the "superstructure, woodwork and machinery of the Red 
Mills," and they were purchased by Lewis Baker for $227. 

Peter Anderson came to this country from Scotland 
about the year 1760, and rented of Roger Morris a farm, 
now in the town of Carmel near the Mahopac iron mines. 
When this farm was sold in 1782 by the commissioner 
of forfeiture he purchased it, and the greater part of it 
is still owned by his descendant, Silas A. Anderson. 

A family named Tompkins was among the earliest 
residents in the western part of the town, north of Lake 
Mahopac. William Wright, a Scotchman, lived south of 
Carmel Village. Another early settler was James Spragg 
who was here in 1745. The Merrick family was also 
here at an early date. A man named Wooden had a 
mill on the west branch of the Croton, while another, 

159 



Historical Record 

kept by one Kellogg, was probably on what was then 
called "Mill River," and now "Michael's Brook." 
Silas Washburn also had a mill on the west branch of the 
Croton. 

In 1782 Timothy Carver bought a large tract on the 
north side of Long Pond from the commissioners of 
forfeiture, for which he paid seventy-one pounds. Here 
he built a log cabin, where he lived until his death in 
1824. The farm was sold by him to his son James 
Carver, January 6, 1817, and this is one of the farms 
that John Jacob Astor entered suit for as a test of his 
famous claim. James Carver sold the farm to Ebenezer 
Barrett, April 9, 1833. Upon his death he left it to his 
son, Elias Barrett, who died intestate, and it was pur- 
chased by his widow, Mrs. Susan Barrett. 

The farm of Judge Barnabas Carver was a tract of 
nearly 300 acres, which was a part of Lot 6 of the Philipse 
patent, adjoining the west line of the lot and extending 
east to the west branch of the Croton River. The bridge 
over the Croton, on the road from Carmel to Long Pond, 
was near the northeast corner of the farm, and hence 
bore the name of Carver's bridge. Judge Carver willed 
his farm to his two nephews, Barnabas Carver and 
Abizar Pierce, son of Daniel Pierce. The homestead 
and 175 acres comprised the share of Barnabas, who died 
about 1870, and the place was sold by mortgage fore- 
closure to Eleazer H. Ganong. The west part of the 
farm was the share of Abizar Pierce. He sold it to 
Harvey Reed about 1835. Judge Barnabas Carver 
was Member of Assembly in 1806, one of the judges of 
Common Pleas for a long number of years, and one of the 
foremost men of the county. He died April 29, 1831, 
aged seventy years. 

160 



Putnam County 

The Philipse patent was not surveyed until 1754, 
therefore the early inhabitants were merely squatters on 
unoccupied land, having made such arrangements as 
were possible with the Indians. The survey of 1754 
divided the patent into lots, and Lot 6, which includes 
the eastern part of the town, was apportioned to Philip 
Philipse, while Lot 5, which includes the western part, 
was assigned to Mary Philipse, who in 1758 married 
Roger Morris. In 1762 Philip Philipse's lot was sur- 
veyed and divided into farms of various sizes and leased 
to tenants, most of whom were in actual possession at 
that time. 

In the Field Book of Survey of Lot No. 6, made April 
12, 1762, by Benjamin Morgan, the following persons 
are mentioned as living on that part of the lot which is 
now embraced in the town of Carmel; Daniel Taylor, 
Samuel Peters, Abraham Mabie, Isaac Lounsbury, 
Joseph Bates, Thomas Baxter, Thomas Karl, Solomon 
Jenkins, Daniel Philips, Michael Sloat, Francis Brian, 
Thomas Ferguson, John Craft, James Sears, Eleazer 
Hamlin, Caleb Hazen, James Russell, Jesse Smith, 
Jonathan Hubby, Elisha Oakley, John Ganoung, Edward 
Ganoung, Joseph Ganoung, Russel Gregory, Timothy 

Gregory, Ebenezer Robinson, Wooden, 

Kellogg, James Wilson, Hannah Finch, Nathaniel Robin- 
son, John Maybee, William Stone, Helkiah Brown, Philip 
Ruff, John Ruff, Isaac Peree, Uriah Lawrence, Abraham 
Hartwell, Caleb Brundage, Rev. Elnathan Gregory, 

Jeremiah Huston, Burbank, John Tompkins, 

Widow Kerkins, Thomas Crosby, John Merrick, Samuel 
Lucas, Matthew Bump, Wheaton Robinson, Bethiah 
Ballard, Silas Washburn, David Merrick, Seth Merrick, 
Moses Fowler, Daniel Townsend, William Merritt, John 

161 



Historical Record 

Spragg, Josiah Peck, John Barber, Benjamin Barber, 
Samuel Gates, Isaac Merritt, Mercy Hopkins, Thomas 
Philips, Esq., Jonathan Hopkins, Robert Fuller, Joseph 
Barber, John Paddock, Hezekiah Mead, David Barber, 
Samuel Peree, William Dean, Abigail Terry, Amos 
Fuller, Edsy Baker, Cornelius Fuller, John Travis, 
Eleazer Baker, John Purdy, Edmund Baker, William 
Rapelyea, Benjamin Weed, Elisha Baker, Isaac Smith. 

After the death of Philip Philipse in 1768, Lot 6, 
through the terms of his will, became the property of his 
wife, Margaret (who afterward married Rev. John 
Ogilvie) , and his surviving children, Nathaniel, Frederick, 
and Adolph. In 1771 a partition of this lot was made 
among the heirs in accordance with the terms of an act 
of the Provincial Legislature, passed January 9, 1762, 
"For the more effectually collecting his Majesty's Quit 
Rents." 

In 1777 Nathaniel Philipse was killed at the Battle 
of Germantown, and his share fell to his brother, Adolph 
Philipse. Adolph Philipse died June 8, 1785, leaving no 
children, and willed his share to his brother, Frederick 
Philipse, during his life, and then to go to his daughter 
Mary Philipse, who afterward married Samuel Gouver- 
neur. Margaret Ogilvie died in 1807, and her share 
became that of her only surviving child, Frederick 
Philipse, who, in 1811, released to his daughter Mary 
Gouverneur all his life interest in the share of his brother 
Adolph. Thus Samuel and Mary Gouverneur became 
the owners of one-half the lot, while Frederick Philipse 
owned the other half. 

Lake Mahopac, a beautiful sheet of water, covering 
603 acres, and 666 feet above sea level, is located in the 
western part of the town, four miles southwest of Carmel 

162 




MRS. W. H. BARCLAY ROGERS 



Putnam County 

village. It is a picturesque and delightful summer re- 
sort, surrounded by rugged cliffs, and is one of the prin- 
cipal sources of supply to the Croton. 

In early times it was generally known as "Big Pond," 
but on Erskine's military map it is noted as "Mahopac 
Pond." Mahopac is an Indian word meaning "Great 
Lake." It was also called Hughson's Pond, from Robert 
Hughson, who lived on the north side of the lake at the 
time of the Revolution. 

Previous to 1834 this lake was scarcely known to out- 
siders. In that year Stephen Monk came from Con- 
necticut and purchased an acre of land adjoining it, and 
erected thereon the first hotel and boarding house at 
Lake Mahopac. This afterward became the site of the 
famous Gregory House. Huldah Gregory bought the 
Mahopac Hotel that Stephen Monk had started, to- 
gether with one acre of land. 

Another piece of land joining this and a part of the old 
Peter Mabie farm was previously bought by her from 
the administrators of the Daniel Baldwin estate. Both 
pieces of property were conveyed by her to her son, Dr. 
Lewis H. Gregory, January 26, 1853. This was the 
beginning of the famous old Gregory House, which in its 
day was equalled by few and excelled by none. From 
the time that these two estates were consolidated and the 
Gregory House formally opened until it was burned to the 
ground, October 2, 1878, Dr. Gregory was identified with 
the progress and development of the hotel business at 
Lake Mahopac. 

The "Mansion House," built from an old dwelling, 
stood opposite the Mahopac Hotel. It was destroyed 
by fire January 18, 1857. The Baldwin House was built 
in 1853 by Reuben C. Baldwin. In 1869 it burned and 

163 



Historical Record 

was not rebuilt. John W. Carpenter came to Mahopac 
in 1858 and built what is known as the Carpenter House. 
It is now conducted by Walter Carpenter. The old Lake 
House stood where the Catholic church now stands. It 
was bought by the Cole family and bore their name until 
recent years, when it was burned to the ground. 

Previous to 1849 the natural highway to the lake was 
from Peekskill. After the Harlem Railroad was built 
to Croton Falls it was from that point. During the 
height of the boarding season there was constant travel, 
by great coaches, up the highway leading from Croton 
Falls to the lake. By an act of Legislature in 1859, 
commissioners were appointed to straighten and improve 
this road, and under their management it became one of 
the best highways in the county. 

In the spring of 1871 a movement was set on foot to 
extend the New York City and Northern Railroad to 
Carmel. This was brought about by the influential 
members of the Lake Mahopac Improvement Company. 
The directors of the Harlem Railroad, a competitive 
company at that time, hurriedly called a meeting and 
planned a road from Golden's Bridge to Lake Mahopac. 
Articles of incorporation for the "New York and Mahopac 
Railroad" were speedily executed, and the work of con- 
struction began at once. The first train ran from New 
York to Mahopac July 4th, 1871, when a great celebra- 
tion was held. 

The Lake Mahopac Improvement Company was 
organized March 8, 1871, its object being "The erection 
of buildings and laying out and subdivisions of lands 
with building lots or villa plots at Lake Mahopac." The 
capital stock of the company was $1,000,000, and the 
trustees were Joseph Seligman, Demas Barnes, Henry 

164 



Putnam County 

Knickerbocker, Uranus H. Crosby, Alfred B. Darling, 
William Moller, Andrew McKenney and John H. 
Cheever. The company purchased large tracts of land 
at extravagant sums, and began to make improvements 
on a very large scale. This venture, however, was a 
failure, and all the property, with the exception of 35 
acres, was sold by foreclosure in 1875. 

On November 1, 1875, the Mahopac Land Company 
was organized for a like purpose, and with a capital of 
$200,000. The trustees were John H. Cheever, John L. 
Hoyt, William H. Guion, Henry Knickerbocker, Andrew 
McKinney, G. R. Wiggins, and James Johnson. This 
company also met with disaster. 

The Putnam Land Company, the successor of the 
preceding, was organized April 11, 1878, with the same 
object, and with a capital of $49,000. The trustees 
were Joseph Seligman, William H. Breeden, Andrew V. 
Stout, John R. Ford and Christopher Myer. This 
company is still in existence and owns much land about 
the lake. 

At the north end of the lake are two old homesteads. 
Around them some fine old trees are clustering. Their 
beautiful green lawns reach all the way down to the 
waters of the lake. One, " Graymanse," is owned by Mr. 
Robert Farley of White Plains; the other, is now 
owned by Mr. Daniel I. Bradley. Both of these estates 
are a part of the old farm of Robert Hughson, who bought 
it directly from the commissioners of forfeiture. Up to a 
comparatively recent date this old Hughson farm re- 
tained the simplicity of other days. It was sold by the 
heirs of Hughson to Stephen Dingee. Benjamin Ballard 
bought it from his brother's heirs, and sold it to Lewis 
R. Griffin, and he sold twenty-four acres of the original 

165 



Historical Record 

tract to William Tilden, who erected a magnificent stone 
mansion, the most handsome structure of its day, not only 
at Lake Mahopac, but in all Putnam county. In Dec- 
ember, 1900, Mr. Dewitt Smith bought this property 
and at once began extensive improvements on it. He 
spent more than $100,000 in this work. He built the 
most substantial and artistic boathouse at the lake, and 
laid out a beautiful Italian garden, with a well in its 
center. 

The old Griffin farm now owned by Mr. Bradley was 
bought by Isabel Saportas, July 1, 1863. She built a 
home for herself on it, along the shore, which she occu- 
pied for some time. This house is situated just west of 
the outlet that flows from Wixsom's Pond. Some time 
later Mr. Peter B. Sweeney, of New York City, bought 
this place and paid $47,000 for it. The landscape artist 
who planned the work on this estate was General Viele, 
who laid out Central Park, New York City. The site 
of the old homestead is one of the finest at the lake. 

Another historic site is the Kaufman Place at the 
other end of the lake, and just south of the Carpenter 
House. This is situated on the old Drake farm, and was 
originally a tract of 99 acres. At one time it was sold by 
Henry S. Baldwin to Samuel Kaufman, who spent more 
than $150,000 in improvements. Later Mr. Lowerre, of 
Yonkers, N. Y., bought the property, and has spent 
much time and money in beautifying the place. 

Blackberry or Canopus, the largest of the group of 
islands within Lake Mahopac was bought by Adolph 
Philipse of the Indians. After the Revolutionary war it 
was bought by William Smith from the commissioners of 
forfeiture. It was sold and resold until the Westchester 
County Bank bought it. In 1870 Dr. Gregory bought 

166 



Putnam County 

it from the bank. During these many sales John Jacob 
Astor bought the interest of the heirs of Mary Morris, 
attacked the sale by the commissioners of forfeiture, 
brought suit to recover the land and forced the State of 
New York to repurchase it from him in order to confirm 
the title given by the commissioners of forfeiture. In 
1881 the island was purchased by the Mahopac and 
Cornwall Iron Company for $40,000. Later it was sold 
under an execution against the iron company to Henry 
White, who conveyed it to Harriet George, and who in 
turn, conveyed it to Richard Mock, from whom Mr. 
Robert E. Farley, the present owner, purchased it in 1904. 

The island has a beautiful shore line, and is as fine a 
piece of property as can be found in all the State. Its 
highest point is in the center, 111 feet above the waters 
of the lake round about it. Beauty Isle and Petra 
Island compose the other two islands of the group. 

The Mahopac Golf Club, was organized July 29, 1898, 
with thirty-seven members. The directors have leased 
the entire property of the Putnam Land Company, and 
erected a handsome clubhouse thereon. The present 
membership is one hundred and fifty. 

The Mahopac Boat Club, organized July 18, 1910, is 
the outgrowth of the Mahopac Yacht Club, formed in the 
eighties, the progress of time and invention having dis- 
carded the sail for the engine as a method of boat pro- 
pulsion. Thirty-one members owning their launches 
compose the squadron of the Club. Mr. George C. 
Pennell is the present Commodore. 

When the legislation was enacted at Albany providing 
for the condemnation of property standing within two 
hundred feet of all streams that fed the Croton River, 
the village of Mahopac stood in the Croton watershed 

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Historical Record 

and through its center a little stream ran. It consisted 
of six dwelling houses and five saloons, with a railroad 
running through its center at right angles with the stream. 
It was accordingly destroyed by fire, and a new village 
erected just beyond the railroad on a rise of land over- 
looking the dale below. It is termed "New Town." 

At the southwestern part of the lake, near the outlet, 
stands the famous Dean House, on the original Abigail 
Clark farm. Later a large part of this farm became the 
property of Devoe Bailey, one of the largest landowners 
in this part of the country. This tract he left to his son 
William, who sold it to James Seeley, and in 1852 it was 
sold to Amzi L. Dean. Upon it he built a boarding house, 
beginning on a small scale, and gradually enlarging it 
until it became an extensive business. His sons Joshua 
L. and A. H. Dean purchased the property, and the 
partnership continued until 1880, when Joshua L. sold 
his interest to his brother A. H. Dean, the present pro- 
prietor. In 1886 the house was greatly enlarged. 
Among the well known citizens of the place in the days 
before boarders and boarding houses were thought of 
was Stephen Thompson, who came from Connecticut 
and began the business of hat making at the lake. His 
son Nathan also came from Connecticut and bought 
four or five acres of land by the lake, and, like his father, 
established a hat making business. In 1851 he began 
to entertain boarders, gradually enlarging his accom- 
modations till he could entertain three hundred guests. 
This hotel was burned July 6, 1869, and was at once 
rebuilt on a much larger scale. In 1883 the property 
was purchased by Mr. Emerson Clark, who since that 
time has been the proprietor and owner of the Thompson 
House. 

168 




SETH SECOR 



Putnam County 

At Interlaken, on the west shore of the lake, is located 
the Forrest House, surrounded by more than forty acres 
of land, laid out into a beautiful park. It is owned by 
Mrs. A. L. Rorke, who bought the property from T. R. 
Ganung in 1893, and erected the hotel, which accom- 
modates 175 guests. 

THE VILLAGE OF CARMEL. Prior to the Revo- 
lution and for some years later the village of Carmel had 
no existence. All the land in the vicinity was held in 
large farms by tenants who paid their yearly rents to the 
agent of the Philipse family or to the landlord himself 
when he came to his estate. All the land on the west side 
of Lake Gleneida, or Shaw's Pond, as it was then known, 
was part of Lot. No. 8 in the division of the original Lot 6, 
and fell to Adolph Philipse (great-great-nephew of the 
patentee) , and from him to his niece Mary, who married 
Samuel Gouverneur. David Myrrick had been a tenant 
on the tract before the Revolution, and in 1811, Samuel 
Gouverneur and his wife sold him the farm of 127 acres, 
bounded north by the outlet of Shaw's Pond, or Mill 
Brook, and including all the west shore of the pond as far 
south as the Belden farm, and here he lived and died. 
The farm of Amos Belden included all the shore of the 
lake from the David Myrrick farm to the south end of 
the lake, and extended west to Croton River, west branch, 
and south to the farm of Caleb Hazen, and included 316 
acres of land. This farm had also been held by lease 
from a period before 1762, and was sold to Amos Belden 
by Frederick Philipse, December 16, 1804. The land 
at the south end of the pond was a farm originally held 
by John Myrrick as tenant in 1766. It was subsequently 
held by other persons and was sold by Frederick Philipse 
to William H. Seeley, May 25, 1815. All that land on 

169 



Historical Record 

the east side of Shaw's Pond, from the James Dickinson 
farm to the site of the Baptist church and including all 
the present village of Carmel, was in 1766 held as a farm 
by Silas Washburn. 

The house of Samuel Washburn, the principal stopping 
place for travellers, stood on the road running east from 
the village. This was the only inn for a long distance, 
the next nearest being John McLean's tavern, which 
stood on the road to Lake Mahopac, near the house of the 
late Townsend Secor. "Conklin's tavern," is marked on 
Erskine's map as being on the road to Patterson, some 
three miles from Carmel. A house stood where Smal- 
ley's Inn now stands, on the west side of the street, about 
ten rods north of the road running to the lake. Elder 
Nathan Cole lived there at the time of the Revolution. 
Col. Thomas Taylor kept a store there just before it was 
demolished. A log house stood on the west side of the 
street, about ten rods south of the Methodist church on 
the opposite side. Charlie Knox was living there in 
1854. Another house stood on the north side of the 
road, running east from the village. This was the house 
of Joshua Myrrick during the Revolution. It was torn 
down many years ago by Ebenezer Kelley, Esq. 

In 1815 Stephen Swift owned a tract at the south end 
of the village. This was said to be bounded on the south 
"by Frederick Philipse Carmel town farm." This tract 
began on the south line of the former schoolhouse lot, 
and ran north along the pond 10 chains and 86 links. 
It extended east far enough to include twenty-five acres. 
Next north of Stephen Swift, along the pond, was the land 
of James Mead. In 1815 "Stephen Swift and wife Katy" 
sold to Judah Kelley, Abraham Everett and Beverly 
Smith, trustees for the school district No. 5, a lot, "be- 

170 



Putnam County 

ginning on the line between said Swift and Frederick 
Philipse, and thence along the wall by the road 50 feet; 
then east 50 feet; thence along Swift's land 50 feet; 
thence west along Philipse 50 feet, containing 9}^ rods 
more or less." This was the old schoolhouse lot on the 
east side of the road. The school house stood on that 
site until about 1856. A second school building was 
then erected on the west side of the road. This re- 
mained until 1880 when a new school house was built, 
which was later removed to the present site of the High 
School. 

There were not many houses in the village at the time 
when the county buildings were erected, but the business 
incident to the county seat caused the population to 
increase, and the village has had a healthy growth ever 
since. At the beginning of the nineteenth century a 
strip of land on the east side of the street was owned by 
Gen. James Townsend. This was sold by him to his 
son-in-law, Dr. Robert Weeks, who built a hotel on the 
corner opposite the old Washburn house, and this was 
his home until the time of his death, which occurred 
May 14, 1816, at the early age of forty-four. Dr. Weeks 
was a Member of the Legislature at the time of the 
establishment of Putnam County, and gave the land 
where the court house and county clerk's office now 
stand. He came to Carmel from Westchester county, 
practiced his profession for twenty years, and was one of 
the prominent men of the county. The hotel and land 
adjoining was sold to Lewis Ludington, who conducted 
the business, and made it a famous resort for many years. 
It was torn down about 1856, and the Misses Ludington 
erected a handsome residence on its site. 

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Historical Record 

The Smalley House stands on the site of the old home 
of Elder Nathan Cole. After his death it was owned by 
Stephen Waring, who kept a store. The hotel was built 
by Col. Thomas Taylor, who was born in Jamaica, Long 
Island, April 12, 1784. He came to Carmel and estab- 
lished a small hat factory in the south part of the town. 
He built the hotel about 1833. During his life he was a 
well known and prominent citizen, and was elected 
member of the Legislature, and held the office of sheriff. 
He died August 1, 1865, at the age of eighty. After 
his death it was purchased by James J. Smalley, from 
whom it derived its present name. Few citizens en- 
joyed a greater popularity. He was twice elected mem- 
ber of the Assembly, and was also sheriff of the county, 
and County Treasurer. He died in 1867, and the place 
passed into the hands of John Cornish. It is now known 
as Smalley Inn, and under the present ownership of 
James A. Zickler has been greatly improved. 

Lake Gleneida, covering an area of 168 acres, is now a 
part of the Croton Water Supply system of New York 
City. Many years ago on the outlet of this lake there 
was a mill, which was owned by Daniel H. Cole, who 
bought the water right from the Philipse family. It 
descended to his son, Tillott Cole, who leased the right 
to the City of New York to draw water from the lake. 

THE DREW SEMINARY for young women located 
at Carmel was built by the citizens of Carmel and opened 
September, 1851, as the Raymond Collegiate Institute 
for Young Ladies. It was purchased by Daniel Drew 
in 1866, and was placed in charge of Rev. George Crosby 
Smith, A.M. Under this distinguished educator an 
enviable reputation for the development of thorough 
scholarship and noble womanly character was attained. 

172 



Putnam County 

In 1892, after the death of Prof. Smith, Rev. James 
M. Yeager, D.D., of the New York Methodist Episco- 
pal Conference, was elected to the Presidency. During 
his administration the property was legally deeded to 
the Board of Trustees, who are elected by the New York 
Conference. Rev. David H. Hanaburgh, S. T. D., was 
elected President, July 27, 1899. 

The buildings were entirely destroyed by fire May 3, 
1904. A modern structure was contracted for July 11th 
following and completed in May, 1905. 

Dr. Hanaburgh's death occured in December, 1907, 
and he has been succeeded in the Presidency by his 
daughter, Miss Martha L. Hanaburgh. 

In 1868 the Carmel Library Association was organ- 
ized with the following officers: Rev. William S. Clapp, 
President; James D. Little, Secretary; Gilbert T. Lud- 
ington, Treasurer; Herman Best, Librarian. A library 
of over 900 volumes was formed and put into circulation, 
many of the volumes having been contributed by mem- 
bers. Among the chief donors were Daniel D. Cham- 
berlain and G. Mortimer Belden. After the first year 
the association was unable to meet expenses, and the 
books of the library were removed to the Baptist church, 
where they remained for a few years, when they were 
removed to the residence of Rev. W. S. Clapp. In 1881 
they were transferred to Jhe Literary Union of Carmel, 
a society of young people, and through their care and 
efforts a public library was re-established. In 1910, 
through the will of Miss Emma J. Foster, daughter of 
William H. Foster of Carmel, the library received a fund 
of $12,500. Miss Foster had been librarian of the asso- 
ciation for a number of years. The income from this 
fund is now being devoted to the purchase of new books 

173 



Historical Record 

and to the improvement of the reading rooms. The num- 
ber of volumes in the library now exceeds three thousand. 

The Putnam County National Bank was organized 
March 14, 1865. Its establishment was mainly due to 
the enterprise of George Ludington, who was appointed 
its cashier and directed its management until his death, 
April 11, 1874. Its first president was G. Mortimer Bel- 
den. Mr. Clayton Ryder has been its president since 1892. 

Putnam County Courier. In 1841 William H. Sloat 
established "The Putnam Democrat," which afterward 
passed into the hands of Elijah Yerkes. James D. Little 
subsequently became its editor. In 1849 the name was 
changed to "Democrat Courier." January 10, 1852, 
James D. Little purchased the paper, and changed its 
name to the "Putnam County Courier." In 1860 Mr. 
Little sold his interest to Charles Benedict, who trans- 
ferred it to B. F. Armstrong. In 1864 it came back into 
the possession of Mr. Little, who again sold it to J. J. 
McNally, in 1876. Mr. Little was once more its owner 
in 1879, and remained its editor until his death, in 1889, 
when it was edited by his daughter, Annie C . Little. Upon 
the retirement of Miss Little, Mrs. J. D. Little became the 
editor. It is now owned and edited by James A. Zickler. 

The 'Putnam County Republican" was founded by the 
historian William J. Blake, June 12, 1858, under the 
title of the "Putnam Free Press." It was the first 
Republican paper printed and published in Putnam 
county. Mr. Blake sold the paper, in October, 1868, 
to A. J. Hicks, who changed its name to "The Gleneida 
Monitor," and subsequently to the "Putnam County 
Monitor." In 1880 it was purchased by Miss Ida M. 
Blake, who called it by its present name, and who con- 
ducts it to the present time. 

174 



Putnam C ou nty 

The Agricultural Society of the County was organized 
in 1851. Its first officers were: Thomas B. Arden, of 
Philipstown, President; Hugh C. Wilson, of Putnam 
Valley, Secretary; Saxton Smith, of Putnam Valley, 
Treasurer. The first County Fair was held October 8th 
and 9th, 1851, at Carmel. For several years its annual 
fairs were successively held at Carmel, Lake Mahopac 
and Brewster; now they are continuously held at Carmel, 
the society having acquired a perpetual lease of about 
eight acres of land, on which it has erected a large and 
commodious building for its exhibitions, and constructed 
an excellent half mile driving track. It is now known as 
the Putnam County Agricultural Association, of which 
Mr. A. C. Townsend is the president. 

THE DREW METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 
OF CARMEL. This society was incorporated July 15, 
1834, with the Rev. David Holmes as pastor of the 
circuit, and the following trustees : Harry Hanf ord, Ezra 
Bronson, Harvey Lounsbury, David Kelley, and William 
Barnes. The first church edifice was built in 1834 on 
land donated by Allen Newman and Amos W. Brown. 
This building was repaired and re-dedicated in Feb- 
ruary, 1853. 

In 1862 a house and lot just north of the church were 
purchased of Ambrose Ryder for a parsonage, and Rev. 
Thomas B. Smith was appointed pastor. The next year 
about $10,000 was raised by subscription for the building 
of a new house of worship. In April, 1864, Rev. D. L. 
Marks succeeded to the pastorate and the building pro- 
ject moved on; the parsonage lot was taken to enlarge 
the church lot and the present parsonage and lot were 
bought of Hannah Rundle; the old church was removed 
and was occupied, in part, by the Putnam County 

175 



Historical Record 

National Bank. Building was begun in 1864, and the 
chapel was completed and opened for worship January 1, 
1865. The church was dedicated October 10, 1865. 

THE GILEAD CHURCH. At the time of the 
earliest settlement a Congregational church was estab- 
lished, together with a church in Southeast, under the 
pastoral direction of Rev. Elisha Kent. The two 
societies were distinguished as the "Eastern and Western 
Societies in Philipse Precinct" and were generally known 
in the olden time as the "Church at Philippi." 

The Eastern society built a log church about a mile 
east of Dykeman's Station. The Western society also 
built a log church at the northwest corner of what was 
afterward Lot 9 of the Philipse Patent. The exact date 
when this church was built is not known. In the survey 
of the Philipse Patent in 1754 it is mentioned as "An old 
meeting house." 

Rev. Elisha Kent, who came to Southeast in 1743, 
was the pastor of both churches for some years. 

In 1750, the Rev. John Davenport began his labors in 
Carmel and assisted in organizing the church at South 
Salem. His great-grandfather was the first minister of 
New Haven, his father was pastor of Stamford, and his 
son was also a minister. He espoused the great religious 
movement of Whitfield and went to the utmost bounds 
of fanaticism. In Boston he made great disturbance in 
the churches, and was put outside the State of Connecti- 
cut for his irregular proceedings. He finally repented 
of his former actions, was again received into the church, 
and was finally sent by the Synod as a missionary to 
Virginia. 

Rev. Ebenezer Kniblee, a young Scotchman, was the 
third pastor. He was graduated from the University of 

176 



Putnam County 

Edinburgh, came to this country in 1752 and went to 
New Haven. The call to Mr. Kniblee was as follows: 
"We the inhabitants of the Western Society of Philippi 
do unite and call Mr. Ebenezer Kniblee preacher of ye 
Gospel to take the pastoral care of us." It was signed 
by Eleazar Hamblin, Shubael Rowley, Richard Cooms, 
John Sprague, Thomas Kelly, Cornelius Fuller, Thomas 
Colwell, Edward Gannung, Jacob Finch, Isaac Finch, 
Noah Burbank, Seth Dean, John Hains, Matthew Row- 
lee, John Paddock, James Colwell, Samuel Latham, Isaac 
Smith, Thomas Crosby, Francis Baker, Joseph Bangs, 
Thomas Frost, Joseph Hopkins, Hugh Bayley, David 
Heniwell, John Frost, Russell Gregory, Isaac Lynden, 
John Gannung, Edward Carver, Thomas Hinkley, Jr., 
John Myrrick, Benjamin Howland, Isacher Robinson, 
James Sears, Joseph Gregory, Isaac Chase, Elkanah 
Hinkley, Lazarus Griffith, Jacob Ellis, Jacob Ellis, Jr., 
Jabez Chase, John Finch, Seth Myrrick, Amos Fuller, 
John White, Daniel Townsend, John Barber, Matthew 
Burgess, Caleb Hazen, John Langdon, John Kelly, Jesse 
Smith, Joshua Hamblin, and Elisha Kellogg. 

The exact time the old log meeting house ceased to be 
used, and a new church erected is unknown, but there 
can be no doubt that it was standing at the time when 
Mr. Kniblee was installed, in 1756. It was a plain building 
about fifty feet square and stood on the west end of the 
old burying ground at Gilead, some distance north of the 
road. A door at the south side opened directly in front 
of the pulpit, and stairs led to the galleries. Around the 
walls were square pews for families, while nearer the 
pulpit were straight-backed benches. Winding stairs led 
to the goblet shaped pulpit. The building was repaired 
in 1802, and a modern stove was introduced in 1815. 

177 



Historical Record 

This stood near the centre, and a straight stove pipe led 
up to the peak of the roof. In 1839 the meeting house 
was torn down and the material sold to Peter S. Kent. 

The Rev. Elnathan Gregory was the next pastor. His 
pastorate continued for thirteen years, when he retired. 
He is said to have died at Carmel in 1816, at the age 
of 82. He was a strong Whig, noted for his patriotism, 
and during the Revolution a price was set on his head. 
The next pastor was the Rev. David Close, who was 
called in 1774. His ministry lasted during the Revolu- 
tion, and he died in Patterson in 1783. 

In 1774, the church, which had previously been Con- 
gregational, became Presbyterian. A letter from Mr. 
Kent to Dr. Belamy, written during the pastorate of Mr. 
Gregory, states that the " Separatists and Sandemanians 
were disturbing the congregation with their errors. ' ' The 
former urged higher sanctity and claimed it for them- 
selves ; the latter were the followers of Rev. John Sande- 
man, who died in Danbury in 1771, and who taught that 
an intellectual faith was sufficient for salvation without a 
change of heart. For some years after the Revolution 
the church seems to have been broken up and disor- 
ganized, but it was reorganized in 1792. 

Rev. James Hickox was licensed in 1793 and preached 
at Gilead and Red Mills until 1803. He was succeeded 
by Rev. Stephen Dodd in June, 1803, who remained until 
1810. Other early pastors were: Rev. Hermann Dagget; 
Rev. Allen Blair; Rev. James N. Austin and Rev. Abner 
Brundage. Rev. George C. Noble is the present pastor. 

MOUNT CARMEL BAPTIST CHURCH. The 
Baptist society is supposed to have been organized about 
1770, but for many years there was no meeting house in this 
vicinity. In the summer time meetings were held in the 

178 



Putnam County 

open air and Elder Elisha Cole preached, while in winter 
the meetings were held in private houses. Between 
1780 and 1785 a building was bought and moved near 
where the present church stands. This was used until 
1806, when a second building was erected, and incor- 
porated February 16, 1807. The third church was built 
in 1836 and remained till 1869. The first preacher of this 
society was Elisha Cole, the first settler of the name. He 
was succeeded by his son, Elder Nathan Cole, who was 
identified with this church during his entire life. His 
salary in 1791 was $12. In 1792 Elder Cole and a num- 
ber of the members withdrew from the church because 
of its neglect to support their poor. In 1794 the matter 
was referred to a council, which censured the church for 
not maintaining their indigent members and counseled 
the disaffected members to unite in love and labor 
together for the good of Zion. This advice was complied 
with and the church again acted in unity. In 1795 
Brother Joseph Arnold was licensed to preach. In 1796 
a rupture again occurred, and Elder Cole with a large 
number of members withdrew from the church on ac- 
count of the "superfluous dress, and the holding of posts 
of civil and military office in earthly states by certain 
numbers." The church, however, continued to grow, 
and it was "Resolved that our dissenting brethren who 
withdrew from the church on account of fashionable dress 
and the holding of posts of honor both civil and military 
be allowed the privilege of occupying the meeting house 
one half the time." July 1, 1797, the church withdrew 
the hand of fellowship from all dissenting brethren and 
sisters for covenant breaking. In 1798 Daniel Cole was 
ordained deacon and during 1799 and 1802 the church 
was supplied by Elder Ebenezer Cole and Jonathan 

179 



Historical Record 

Sturdevant. In December, 1802, some of the members 
were put under admonition for joining the Masons. 
Elder Ebenezer Cole became sole pastor in 1802 at a salary 
of $30. In 1809 Lewis Evans was licensed to preach, 
and Elisha Booth in the year following. Elder Daniel 
Wildman was pastor in 1817. In July, 1820, Elder 
John Warren began his pastorate, which continued twenty- 
one years. Other early pastors were: Rev. C. H. Under- 
bill; Rev. Aaron Perkins, Rev. J. M. Coley; C. B. Keyes; 
John Seage; D. T. Hill; Otis Saxton; William S. Clapp. 

ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH at Carmel is 
supplied by the Rev. L. E. Murray of Lake Mahopac. 
The church was organized mainly through the efforts of 
members of Glenida Council, Knights of Columbus. A 
lot was purchased from George T. Patterson, and the 
church edifice was completed and dedicated in the sum- 
mer of 1909. 

LAKE MAHOPAC METHODIST CHURCH. This 
society was incorporated July 14, 1822, and Leonard D. 
Cliff, Aaron Picker and Piatt P. Smith were elected 
trustees of the church. The church was built about 1826, 
on land given to the society by Nathaniel Crane. This 
tract of land included the present site of the church and 
reached all the way down to the lake shore, including the 
handsome site now occupied by the Catholic church and 
rectory. The present church was built about 1826. 
The parish includes Union Valley Chapel and Mount Hope 
Methodist Episcopal Church, situated at "German Flats" 
or the " Mines." The Union Valley Chapel was built and 
dedicated in 1860 for the purpose of accommodating the 
people who lived a long distance from the church at the 
lake. The Mount Hope Church was organized on 

180 







AUGUSTUS W. MOWATT 



, 



Putnam County 

March 4, 1876. It is situated to the northwest of the 
lake and beyond Kirk Lake. The first parsonage of this 
parish was bought of William Pinckney, April 7, 1866. 
The present handsome parsonage was built and equipped 
with all modern conveniences by the Rev. R. H. Kelly. 
It stands near the church and the lake. 

THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH of 

Lake Mahopac was organized September 26, 1860, by 
the election of Selah Van Duzer and G. Mortimer 
Belden, wardens, and William Perry, Lewis Ballard, 
Archibald S. Van Duzer, James A. Patterson, Reuben 
D. Baldwin, Benjamin T. Camp, George A. Crissey 
and Augustus Reed, vestrymen. The first services of 
the new society were held at the "Horton Cottage," 
just south of the Gregory House. The present church 
is a memorial by Egisto P. Fabbri to his brother 
Ernesto, who died at Lake Mahopac July 3, 1883. 
The cornerstone of this church was laid September 5, 
1883, by Bishop Seymour, of Springfield, Mass. The 
church was consecrated by Bishop Potter, of New 
York City, on April 21, 1884, under the name of the 
Church of the Holy Communion. It is said that this is 
the first church that Bishop Potter consecrated. In 
1898 a rectory was built joining the church. 

RED MILLS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT 
MAHOPAC FALLS. This church was the first to be in- 
corporated in the town, and is therefore known as the 
First Presbyterian Church of the town of Carmel." 
Services were doubtless held here as early as 1761, when 
the Rev. Samuel Sackett is supposed to have labored 
for the society. 

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CC 



Historical Record 

The first building erected was dedicated in 1784. It 
stood upon the site of the present church edifice, on land 
owned by Peter Badeau. The cemetery adjoining was 
deeded in trust by Job C. Austin, in 1862. The original 
building was erected through contributions of labor and 
material, and therefore but a small amount of money 
was required for the purpose. It was plain in appearance 
without cupola or steeple, was nearly square and the 
gables stood east and west. The pulpit was octagon 
shaped, very high up, and entered by a winding stair- 
case; below it was the reading desk, by the side of which 
the deacons sat in what was called the Deacons' Pew. 
Around the church was a row of square high-backed pews 
and in the centre were plain board benches known as the 
Free Seats. For thirty-five years the building was with- 
out heat. In 1819 the house was repaired and painted on 
the outside, and a stove was placed within. 

A new building was erected in 1833, which continued 
in use until 1876, when it was remodelled into the present 
building. It was incorporated April 7, 1806. 

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH at Mahopac was es- 
tablished by Rev. John Dsulp. A lot was given in the 
northern part of the old town by Reuben D. Baldwin 
on December 5, 1866, and the church building was 
erected and dedicated three years later. For twelve 
years the parish was connected with the churches at 
Brewster and Carmel. In 1882 it was divided and con- 
nected with the church at Croton Falls. When the 
City of New York condemned property in the Croton 
watershed, the church edifice and rectory were included 
in such proceedings. Rev. L. E. Murray, the present 
incumbent, took the money received from the city and 

182 



Putnam County 

purchased a large, handsome site on the lake shore and 
proceeded at once to erect buildings thereon in keeping 
with the character of the property. The church and 
rectory are situated on the boulevard around Lake 
Mahopac just north of the evergreen grove on the 
eastern shore. 



183 



CHAPTER VIII 
THE TOWN OF KENT 

KENT was originally a part of Frederickstown, 
which was established March 7, 1788, and was 
separated from it under the name of Frederick, 
March 17, 1795. The name of the town was changed 
to Kent, in honor of a family of early settlers, April 
15, 1817. Carmel was taken off in 1795. 

It is bounded north by Dutchess county; south by 
Carmel; east by Patterson, and west by Putnam Valley 
and Philipstown. It includes the north half of Lots 5 
and 6 of the Philipse Patent, and a small portion of 
Lot 4. 

Its surface is rough and hilly. The principal streams 
are Horse Pound and Pine Pond Brooks, and branches of 
Croton River. 

Arsenical iron is found in the locality of Pine Pond. 
The mine, which is known as the silver mine, was oper- 
ated in 1848 by the "Hudson River Mining Company." 
Soapstone is found in the southwestern part of the town, 
and in one locality in Peekskill Hollow. In 1849 the 
Putnam County Mining Company was organized for the 
purpose of developing and working soapstone, granite 
and iron in the town of Kent, but the project was not a 
success. 

An Act was passed, March 11, 1879, to alter the bound- 
ary line between the towns of Kent and Philipstown, 
as follows: 

184 




JOHN S. ENO 



Putnam County 

" . . . Beginning at what is known as the Sunk 
bridge, on the Putnam county road, adjoining the 
northern boundary line of Putnam Valley, and thence 
running northerly, on a line parallel with the now wester- 
ly boundary of the town of Kent, to the Dutchess 
county line; thence easterly with the said Dutchess 
county line to the present northwest corner of the bound- 
ary line of the said town of Kent, to the said Putnam 
County road, and adjoining the northerly line of the 
town of Putnam Valley; thence westerly along said road 
and with the said northerly line of Putnam Valley to the 
place of beginning; and that all that part of and territory 
of said town of Philipstown, lying within the above 
described boundaries is hereby taken from the said town 
of Philipstown and annexed to the said town of Kent, and 
shall hereafter form and be a part of said town of Kent." 

This tract of land is mostly mountainous and has 
comparatively few inhabitants. 

The Fishkill Iron Company, which was formed "for the 
purpose of mining and working ores, and manufacturing 
iron and steel and rending the same," with power to hold 
lands in Dutchess and Putnam counties, purchased large 
tracts of mountain land here. It had a capital of 
$100,000, and was composed of the following members: 
James Emmot, Nathaniel P. Talmadge, Walter Cunning- 
ham, James Hooker, Ira Spooner, Samuel R. Halsey, 
Rufus Fuller, Nathaniel P. Perry, Uriah Gregory, Solo- 
mon V. Frost, Teunis Brinkerhoff, Richard Dewitt, 
Andrew Stockholm and Abner W. Spooner. 

The town of Kent was not settled as early as the 
neighboring towns, and at the time of the Revolution 
did not number more than two or three hundred inhab- 
itants. Among the first settlers was Joseph Merritt, who 

185 



Historical Record 

was a tenant of Roger Morris, and some years later 
bought a farm of Col. Morris and his wife, Mary Phil- 
ipse. This deed is dated Sept. 18, 1771, and the land is 
described as "part of farm 76, beginning at a black oak 
tree, the corner of farm 75." It included 200 acres, and 
is supposed to lie a short distance west of the reservoir at 
Boyd's Corners. 

On the same date John Rhodes bought of Roger Morris 
225 acres, being part of farm 75, situated on the west 
side of a branch of Croton river. 

Other early settlers were families named Boyd, Wixon, 
Farrington, Burton, Carter, Burrett and Ludington. 

The lots of Roger Morris and Philip Philipse were 
surveyed and divided into farms in 1754, but the portions 
lying in this town were mostly untenanted. In 1762 the 
following persons were living on the north part of Lot 6, 
which is now included in the town of Kent: William 
Colwell, Hope Covey, Isaiah Bennett, Amos Northrop, 
Joseph Northrop, Moses Northrop, William Daley, 
Aaron Calkins, Edward Dolph, Jacob Phillips, Joshua 
Burdox, Samuel Carter, Jonathan Tuttle, Jonathan 
Hill, Jonathan Gray, William Borden. 

May 3, 1767, Malcolm Morrison, a son-in-law of Rev. 
Elisha Kent, the first minister in Southeast, purchased 
from Philip Philipse a tract of 688 acres, described as 
farm 93, in the northeast part of the town. As he was a 
tory during the Revolution his property was confiscated, 
and he went to England and died there. 

The Northrop family settled in the south part of the 
town, a short distance east of the present county farm. 
Jonathan Tuttle had a mill near the head spring of what 
was then called "Philipse Mill River," but now denom- 
inated "Whang Brook." Samuel Carter also had a mill 

186 



Putnam County 

on Townsend Mill River, the middle branch of the Croton. 
Boyd's Reservoir was surveyed and land for it pur- 
chased in 1866, by the mayor and corporation of New 
York City. The first purchase was a farm of 70 acres, 
which included the land where the dam is built and the 
land owned by the city of New York on the south of it. 
This farm was originally owned by Seth Robinson, who 
had a saw mill near where the dam now stands. This 
he sold to Jesse Cole, and he in turn sold it to Laban 
Barrett, in 1836, who sold it to the city of New York. 
At that time an old road ran across the valley from nearly 
opposite the Baptist church to the road leading to 
Farmer's Mills, on the east side. On this road, near the 
west bounds of the reservoir, was the old church, and 
nearby an ancient burying ground. On the low land 
near the river was a settlement of Indians, and at this 
place the old militia trainings were held. At the begin- 
ning of the nineteenth century a forge and small furnace 
for melting iron stood near the north end of the reservoir, 
upon a road now obliterated. This was the property of 
James Townsend, who was the first man to use ore from 
the Tilly Foster mine. Maps of the reservoir, showing 
all the land purchased, are now in the office of the county 
clerk. The reservoir covers 303 acres and has a capacity 
of 2,750,000,000 gallons. The contract for building the 
dam was taken by Edward Roach, Joshua B. and Simon 
S. Jenkins for the sum of $201,002.80. The corner 
stone was laid July 2, 1866. The contractors soon found 
that the price was far inadequate to the work to be done 
and failed to complete it. The dam was finally finished 
in February, 1873, and the reservoir was first full April 
1st of that year. The elevation of this reservoir is 600 
feet above tide water. 

187 



Historical Record 

There are no villages in this town. Cole's Mills, on 
the Croton River, about a mile south of the reservoir is 
a hamlet. It was here that the first settlement was made 
by Elisha Cole, who came from Cape Cod, in 1747. A 
mill was built on the outlet of Barrett Pond before the 
Revolution. After the war the family bought the farm, 
which they had long occupied, from the commissioners of 
forfeiture, and also a large tract adjoining. Soon after 
the Revolution, two of his sons, Daniel and Elisha, built 
a mill on the Croton near by, at which a large business for 
those times was carried on. Connected with the grist 
mill was a saw and fulling mill. 

South of Cole's Mills, on the road to Carmel, is the 
old homestead farm, which originally belonged to the 
Hopkins family. It was here that Captain Solomon 
Hopkins lived during the Revolution. He was a 
brother-in-law of Enoch Crosby, the hero of Cooper's 
"Spy." After the war he purchased 341 acres of land in 
the Morris Lot 5 from the commissioners of forfeiture. 
On this farm the first school house in Kent was built. 
This stood about eight rods east of the present school 
house, and was torn down more than eighty years ago. 

Ludingtonville, a hamlet in the north east corner of 
the town, perpetuates the name of the Ludington family. 
Here are located the old Ludingtonville mills, and the 
store built over a century ago wherein the Bank of Kent 
was established. Joshua Griffith has owned and con- 
ducted this store since 1860. 

Boyd's Corners derived its name from Ebenezer Boyd, 
who was of Scotch parentage, and born about 1735. He 
was a captain in the Revolution and a brave and gallant 
officer. About 1780 he removed from his home in 
Westchester county, came to Kent and bought several 

188 



* 



Putnam County 

tracts of land in Lot 5 from the commissioners of for- 
feiture. Here he built a house and kept a tavern until 
his death, June 29, 1792. The valley which is now cover- 
ed by the Croton reservoir was the best tract of farming 
land in this section of the town. 

The neighborhood of Boyd's Corners is now more 
generally known as "Kent Cliffs." 

Farmer's Mills is located on a small stream, the outlet 
of White Pond, and has been a mill seat from very early 
times, the first mill having been built, it is said, by a man 
named Burton, in 1784, and was owned by Joseph 
Farrington at the beginning of the nineteenth century. 

THE KENT AND FISHKILL BAPTIST CHURCH 

is one of the oldest in the association. It was doubtless 
constituted in 1782, and was composed of members form- 
ing a branch of the Pawling, Beekman and Carmel 
churches. Elder John Lawrence, who had charge of the 
Pawling and Beekman church, was its first pastor. He 
was succeeded by Elder Freeman Hopkins. 

Previous to 1795 Articles of Faith and Covenant were 
signed by Elder Hopkins, Deacon Benjamin Knapp, and 
one hundred and sixty members. Elder Truesdal then 
preached to the congregation. Brother Jonathan Stur- 
devant also preached among them with so much success 
that his ordination was unanimously called for. He 
became the pastor and continued in his labors there until 
April 3, 1802, when the church, failing to raise the salary 
agreed upon, voted to discharge him from the pastorship 
that he might labor in another field. He continued to 
preach a part of the time here, however, until Nov. 7, 1807. 

In 1807 a church was erected upon the ground where 
the present building now stands, and for eight years 

189 



Historical Record 

during which the people worshipped in this building it had 
no walls. Previous to this time meetings had been held 
in various houses. During the years 1798 and 1799 
services were held once a month in the Carmel Baptist 
meeting house. Simeon Barrett preached once a month 
from 1800 to 1805, when he was ordained, and became 
its regular pastor, continuing in its service for twenty- 
three years. 

Other early pastors were Brother Nathaniel Parker, 
who filled the office for fourteen years; Brother Mose- 
man Barrett, who preached one half the time, in con- 
nection with Elder Robinson, until 1844. Brother 
Nathaniel Robinson became the pastor in 1832. Pre- 
vious to this time he had served a part of the time with 
this church. Owing to his feebleness, in 1865 he request- 
ed the church to call another preacher to attend to his 
duties. Brother Samuel Sprague was accordingly called, 
and he performed the pastoral duties until 1867, when 
Brother Robinson was unanimously called upon by the 
church to resume his pastorate. Other pastors since 
Elder Robinson have been Rev. James C. Smalley, who 
resigned in 1877; Frederick Kratz; Daniel W. Sherwood, 
and Daniel Sprague. 

In 1866 an organization composed of a small number 
of members of the church was formed under the name of 
the "Central Baptist Church of Kent." Land was 
purchased of Samuel T. Barrett and a building erected 
thereon, which was dedicated Feb. 26, 1867. The trus- 
tees were Jacob Wright, Sarles Barrett and William 
Wright. Rev. C. J. Ganong became its first pastor. 
This church existed for a few years when it was dissolved. 
The building was afterward destroyed. 

190 





JOHN G. SENCERBAUGH 



i! 



Putnam County 

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of Kent was 
organized Oct. 4, 1810, by a Council called by the First 
Baptist Church of Philipstown. The meeting was held 
at the house of Isaac Drew. Elder Ebenezer Cole was 
moderator, and among the members present were Elders 
Job Foss, Jonathan Sturdevant and Simeon Barrett. 
The new society was known as the Second Baptist Church 
in Frederickstown. Elder Moseman Barrett was the 
first pastor, and Abijah Yeomans, clerk. The member- 
ship of this church grew rapidly and in 1831 the first 
meeting house was built. This building stood on the old 
road, across the Croton, and directly east of the present 
church. Near it was the old burying ground. In 1846 
the church voted to unite with the Union Baptist 
Association. Rev. John J. Eberle was ordained pastor 
March 13, 1850. July 5, 1851, he was succeeded by 
Elder David James. Rev. James C. Smalley was 
ordained pastor Dec. 13, 1854. He resigned the pastor- 
ship Feb. 6, 1869. 

Owing to the construction of a reservoir the church 
was removed. The new meeting house was dedicated 
Sept. 29, 1869. It stands directly west of the former 
church, on land donated by Piatt Parker. The Rev. 
Allen S. Light was pastor in 1870. He was succeeded in 
1874 by Rev. W. S. Clapp. 

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE 
BAPTIST was organized March 8, 1878. Dr. Joseph 
H. Bailey donated the church lot in 1881, and the edifice 
was erected shortly thereafter. Rev. Matthew A. 
Bailey was the pastor. His father bequeathed to the 
church the family burying ground on the estate, and 
other lands adjoining the church edifice. 

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Historical Record 

At Kent Cliffs is located a chapel which was erected 
in 1873 on land also supplied by Dr. Bailey. 

THE SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH, at Ludington- 
ville, was organized Dec. 5, 1844, as an independent 
society, and, for the most part, consisted of former 
members of the First Baptist Church of Kent. Elder 
John Warren was its first pastor. In 1869 the parsonage 
was built, and the church was repaired and re-dedicated 
Dec. 24, 1878. The land was donated to the trustees by 
Frederick Ludington, June 1, 1843. 



192 




J. HARRY MYERS 



' 



CHAPTER IX 
THE TOWN OF PATTERSON 

THIS town, which was originally a part of Fred- 
ericksburg Precinct, and afterward of Fredericks- 
town, was reduced to its present dimensions and 
established as the town of Franklin by Act of Legislature 
passed March 17, 1795. Owing to the inconvenience re- 
sulting from several towns in the State having the same 
name, the name was changed to Patterson, April 6, 1808. 

It includes the north half of Lot No. 8 of Philipse 
Patent, the greater part of Lot No. 7, and that portion of 
the Oblong which is in this county, and lies north of the 
north line of the town of Southeast. 

It is bounded north by Dutchess county, west by the 
town of Kent, south by Southeast, and east by the 
Connecticut boundary line. Its surface is hilly, and the 
soil a sandy loam. The principal streams are the east 
branch of Croton river and its tributaries, Quaker, Birch, 
and Muddy Brooks. 

The first town meeting was held at the house of James 
Phillips, and the following is a record of the proceedings : 

"At a town meeting of the Freeholders and Inhabitants 
of Franklin Town, held at the house of James Phillips, on 
Tuesday, 7th day of April, 1795. Voted, Samuel Corn- 
wall, Town Clerk; Samuel Towner, Supervisor; Benja- 
min Haviland, Nehemiah Jones, Stephen Hayt, Asses- 
sors; David Hecock, Sen., Jabez El well, Overseers of 
Poor; Solomon Crane, Elisha Brown, Abner Crosby, 

193 



Historical Record 

Commissioners of Highways; Abel Hodge, Collector and 
Constable; David Barnum, Constable. 

"Path Masters: George Burtch, Esq., Benjamin Lane, 
James Birdsall, Jabez Elwell, Daniel Haines, John Mc- 
Lean, Joseph Rogers, Stephen Yale, Abel Hodge, Isaac 
Crosby, Blackleach Jessup, Elisha Brown, Samuel 
Col well, Abraham Mabie, Sen., Solomon Fowler, Abner 
Crosby, Jacob Reed, Elisha Gifford. 

"Fence Viewers: Jabez Elwell, Jr., John Tweedy, 
Zachariah Hinman, Thomas Birdsall, Abijah Starr, 
Elijah Stone, Roswell Wilcox, David Hecock, Peter 
Terry, Enos Ambler, Simeon Perry, Nathaniel Foster. 

"Pound Masters: John Tweedy, Silas Burtch, Roswell 
Wilcox, Amos Rogers. 

"Voted that every Ram shall be confined from the 
20th of August to the first day of November, under 
forfeiture of the Ram. 

'Voted that the next town meeting shall be held at 
the Presbyterian meeting house. 

'Voted that the sum of sixty pounds be raised for the 
maintenance of the poor of the town. 

"At a special town meeting held at the Presbyterian 
meeting house, on the 23d of April, for the purpose of 
choosing a delegate to meet the delegates chosen by the 
different towns of Southeast, Carmel, and Fredericks, to 
establish the division line between the above towns. 
Voted that Alexander Kidd be Moderator. James 
Phillips, Clerk P. T. Samuel Towner, delegate, with 
powers to establish the line above mentioned agreeable 
to Law." 

Following the above is the annexed certificate: 

"This certifies that a certain Female slave belonging 
to Roswell Wilcox of the Town of Franklin, named 

194 



Putnam County 

Dinah, appears to be under the age of fifty, and of suf- 
ficient ability to provide for herself. Given under our 
hands, this 28th day of March, 1796. 

"Matthew Paterson, Jabez Elwell, 

"Samuel Agustus Baker, David Hecock, 

"Justices of the Peace. Overseers of Poor." 

For many years resolutions like the following were 
regularly voted at the town meetings. 

"Voted that every hog that runs in the road, shall 
be ringed with a good sufficient ring under the penalty of 
one shilling to be paid to the person who takes him up and 
returns him to the owner, with a good ring in his nose." 

"We, the subscribers promise to pay to Maj. Jonathan 
Crane, the sums annext to each of our names for the 
Consideration of his Presenting a Petition to the Assem- 
bly, for the Division of the towns of Fredericks town and 
Southeast. Witness our hands, this 4th day of February, 
1795: William Lovelace, 2 shillings; Samuel Robins, 2s; 
Joseph Tillit, Is. 6d.; Josiah Rusco, 2s; Jeremiah Mead, 
4s.; Isaac Seeley, 4s. ; John Daun, Is.; Samuel Hay t, 2s.; 
Timothy Delavan, Is.; Solomon Field, Is. 6d.; Jedediah 
Wood, 2s.; Benjamin Ellis, 3s.; Josiah Foster Ellis, 2s.; 
Moses Fowler, 4s. 5d.; Samuel Pardee, Is. 6d.; Major 
Fowler, Is.; Solomon Byington, Is.; John Jane, 2s.; 
John Byington, 3s.; James Neal, Is.; Abraham Dela- 
van, 3s.; J. D. Delavan, 3s.; John Byington, 2s.; James 
Bloomer, 2s.; Samuel Ackerly, Is.; John Howes, Is.; 
Peleg Bailey, Is. 4d.; Elijah Townsend, 2s.; Nehemiah 
Wood, Is.; Caleb Fowler, Is. 6d.; Heman King, Is. 6d.; 
Benoni Stokeins, Is. 6d.; Joseph Stokeins, 2s." 

"At a special town meeting held at the Presbyterian 
meeting house, on Thursday the 26th day of January, 

195 



Historical Record 

1798. Voted that Dutchess county remain in its present 
situation without any Division, Unanimous. 

"Voted that the Town Clerk send the proceedings of 
this meeting to Samuel Towner to lay before the Legisla- 
ture when most convenient." 

At another special town meeting held Jan. 28th, 1799, 
it was "Voted unanimously that Dutchess county remain 
in its present situation without any division. Voted that 
Elijah Stone carry the proceedings of this meeting and 
deliver the same to Wm. Pearce Esq. and the other 
members from Dutchess." 

Some years afterward, the town voted in favor of the 
division, and any who were opposed quietly accepted the 
situation. At the time when a petition was presented to 
the Legislature for dividing the towns of Frederick and 
Southeast, a vigorous protest was entered by Matthew 
Paterson, Alexander Kidd, David Beebee, Samuel Towns- 
end, David Hecock, Roswell Wilcox, Nehemiah Jones, 
John Townsend, Samuel Cornwall, Andrew Fraser, John 
Palmer, and Samuel Towner, denouncing the proceed- 
ings as a "Clandestine Act." 

The Great Swamp covers a large extent of land on both 
sides the Croton river and its tributary, Muddy Brook. 
In 1792 Matthew Paterson presented a petition to the 
Legislature for the reclamation of this land by drainage. 
In accordance with this an Act was passed, March 7, 
1793, whereby 300 pounds were appropriated for that 
purpose, to be paid to the proprietors of the land in 
question, but the project was abandoned. Pine Island, 
in the middle of Great Swamp, is a rocky ledge, 200 feet 
high, containing about 30 acres. 

The date of first settlement is not known. A deed 
dated June 15, 1731, shows that of the tract on the Oblong 

196 



Putnam County 

granted to Thomas Hawley and his partners, 44250 acres 
were released to Adam Ireland, John Thomas, and 
Benjamin Birdsall. These parties by this deed conveyed 
to Jacob Haviland, Jr., June 16, 1731, Lots 16 and 23, 
each containing 500 acres. 

Lot 16 is thus described: "Beginning at the Northeast 
corner of Lot 13 and from thence runs along the east 
bounds of Lots 14 and 15, 145 chains. Thence South 77 
degrees 30 minutes East, 43 chains, 2 rods. Thence 
South 19 degrees West, 144 chains 2 rods. Thence North 
77 degrees 30 minutes West, 30 chains to the beginning, 
containing 500 acres." 

It is on this tract that the descendants of Jacob 
Haviland have lived down to the present. Benjamin 
Haviland, who was probably a son of Jacob, settled here. 
The north line of this tract is the present north line of 
the farm of Thomas State, while its south boundary is on 
the farm of William C. Haviland, south of the Quaker 
meeting house. Benjamin Haviland was born Sept. 9, 
1763, and had five sons, Elijah, Benjamin, David, John 
and Samuel, who settled around him on the ancestral 
heritage. 

Of the brothers of the first Benjamin Haviland, 
Daniel lived south of the Quaker meeting house (for 
which he gave the land), while Roger lived in Connecti- 
cut, near the State line, Solomon lived in Harrison, and 
Isaac lived on the bank of the Croton river, in the town of 
Pawling. 

\ Thomas Lee had a lease of 120 acres on the west side 
of Croton swamp in 1752. 

Matthew Paterson, for whom the town was named, 
was a native of Scotland, and came to this country about 
1752. He was an officer in the French war, and served 

197 



Historical Record 

under General Abercrombie. After the war he returned 
to New York where he engaged extensively in business. 
He had intimate business connections with Beverly 
Robinson, and this was probably the reason for his 
coming, in 1770, to Fredericksburg, where he held a 
farm for some years, as a tenant. It is supposed that it 
was his influence which induced many other Scotch 
families to settle here. During the whole of his life in 
this town he was one of its most prominent citizens; 
and was for many years justice of the peace. From 1782 
to 1789, he was Member of Assembly for Dutchess county. 
He died Feb. 18, 1817, in the 85th year of his age, and his 
remains rest in the village burying-ground, by the Pres- 
byterian church, of which he was an active member. 

The principal roads in the northern part of the town 
are: first, the main street of Patterson village, or what 
was formerly known as "City Street;" second, the high- 
way running south from the east end of this street, under 
the hills which form the eastern bounds of the valley; 
third, the road running southwesterly from the west end 
of the street, by the mill, and which is the main road to 
Carmel. The mill site and land adjoining were probably 
the same which were in occupation of Malcom Morrison 
at the time of the Revolution. In 1777, a committee, 
appointed by the Provincial Convention, reported that 
"as a very considerable lodgment of stores in the quarter 
master's department is formed at Morrison's Mills in 
Fredericksburg, to and from which there will be much 
carriage, a proper farm in its vicinity, for supporting the 
cattle that may from time to time be employed will be 
absolutely necessary, and that the farm lately in the 
occupation of Beverly Robinson, Jr., will be very con- 
venient for that purpose." 

198 



Putnam County 

The stream on which the mill stands has ever been 
known as the Mill Brook, and runs into Muddy Brook, 
which is the outlet of Hinckley Pond, and thence into 
Croton River. On the corner, opposite the mill, stood 
a block house during the Revolution. East of the mill, 
on the north side of the street, was the residence of 
Epenetus Crosby, who kept an inn. On the south side 
of the road, and next to the Mill Brook, was a piece of 
land owned by Peter Carley which he had purchased 
from the commissioners of forfeitures. This piece he 
sold to John Hayt, the ancestor of the family of that 
name, who came to this town in 1785, and set up a 
tannery by the side of the brook. 

On the corner of the road was a store, kept in 1793 by 
Joseph and James Rogers, and east of this was a farm, 
part of which was on the north side of the street, which 
was owned in 1785"by Humphrey Ogden, and sold by 
him to John Townsend in 1787. This farm was sold by 
Thomas Townsend to John Hayt April 29, 1793. 

Dr. Richard S. Bryant was another early resident. 
North of the Presbyterian church was the house of 
Ebenezer Weed, which is said to have been the first 
frame house in the neighborhood. On the south side 
of the street, a few rods east of the railroad, was the 
house of Ezra Ayers, who owned a large farm lying on 
both sides of the road. 

On the north side of the road, about 80 rods east of the 
railroad, was the house of Capt. Alexander Kidd, who 
was a resident here before the Revolution. He was a 
Scotchman and an intimate friend of Matthew Paterson. 
He was also a magistrate and a man of means and impor- 
tance. The Delavans, a Huguenot family, lived north 
of the cemetery. 

199 



Historical Record 

At the east end of the street, on the road running south 
to Cowl's Corners, is a tract of land upon which the 
"General trainings" were held in the old days of militia 
companies. This place was described as "50 acres of 
land bounded west by Croton River, north by the farm 
of Samuel Agustus Barker, and east and south by the 
road;" also 50 acres on the east side of the road. Here 
Samuel Haviland and his son, David, after him, kept a 
tavern, which was a noted resort for many years. It is 
now generally known as "Aikin's Corners." 

The road at this place, which runs north to Pawling, 
and south to Cowl's Corners and beyond, is one of the 
oldest in the country. It was laid out in 1745, and des- 
cribed as running from Col. Beekman's Patent to West- 
chester. 

The families of Menzies, Grant, Towner, Cornwall, 
Sill and Cowl, were other early settlers. 

For a long time the ownership of certain tracts of land 
on the Oblong was disputed. These lands lie along the 
Oblong, in the northeast part of the patent, most of them 
east of Croton river. The General Assembly of Con- 
necticut granted to Captain Nathan Gold and others, in 
October, 1707, certain lands which lay to the west of the 
Oblong. In 1765 the lands were claimed by Jonathan 
Brown, of Westchester; William Willet, of Flushing, 
L. I.; William Hooker Smith, of White Plains; Matthais 
March, of Dutchess county, and John Thomas, of 
Westchester. Philip Philipse, Roger Morris and Beverly 
Robinson also claimed the disputed territory. The 
farms held under the grant from Connecticut were in the 
possession of William Gray, Isaac Chapman, Sylvanus 
Cole, Josiah Robbitts, Samuel Monroe, Noah Smith, 
David Aikins and Christopher Dickenson, while those 

200 




GEORGE W. BEACH 



I 



Putnam C ounty 

claimed under the Philipse patent were held by Thomas 
Maggott, Nathaniel Porter, Josiah Swift, William Palmer 
and Nathan Taylor. 

To settle the matter all parties gave a deed in trust for 
the disputed lands to William Alexander, Earl of Stirling, 
John Watts, Oliver DeLancey, Walter Rutherford and 
Henry Conger, and they were to convey the disputed 
property to whomsoever they adjudged the rightful 
owners thereof. This deed was executed May 25, 1765, 
and it was decided that the true title was in Philip 
Philipse, Roger Morris and Beverly Robinson. Accord- 
ingly, by a deed of award, the property was conveyed to 
them March 11, 1766. 

Among the old documents which are remaining as 
relics of the past, is a lease, written and signed by Beverly 
Robinson, the original owner in the right of his wife, 
Susannah Philipse, of all the north part of the present 
town of Patterson. This lease, dated Dec. 30, 1769, 
granted to Dennis Wright, of Fredericksburg, "All that 
certain farm situate in Fredericksburg, being part of a 
farm described in a map and Return Book made by 
Jonathan Hampton, as Farm Number 8 of Lot No. 7, 
Beginning at a white oak tree, standing on the Oblong 
line, and is James Calkins southeast corner. From 
thence west 9 chains to a stake, then south 70 degrees 
west, 11 chains to a stake, then north 14 degrees east, 
9 chains to a stake, thence North 28 degrees East, 4 
chains, then North 37 degrees East, 15 chains, then North 
7 degrees 30 minutes East, 17 chains to a stake in Ben- 
jamin Chase's line, then along Chase's line west 49 
chains 69 links to the northeast corner of Benjamin 
Gilford's, then along Gifford's, and Alexander Grant's 
line south 6 degrees 30 minutes west, 34 chains, 90 links, 

201 



Historical Record 

then south 24 degrees 30 minutes west 25 chains 49 links, 
to a stake which is a corner of David Calkins, then south 
68 degrees east 33 chains 70 links to a beech sapling 
standing on the west side of a saw mill brook, and on the 
east side of the road, then running along David Calkins 
and Reuben Close's line, to the said Close's Corner, in 
David Aiken's line, then east along said Aikin's line to the 
Oblong line to the beginning, Containing 426 acres." 

The lease reserved all mines and minerals, and all mill 
privileges. The term of the lease was during the life 
of Dennis Wright, who was at that time 58 years old, 
and for the lives of his two children, Dennis, Jr., aged 8 
years, and Barsheba, aged 5. The annual rent was to be 
"113 Spanish milled pieces of eight," and the tenant 
was to set out three hundred apple trees "of good fruit." 
After the Revolution this place seems to have passed into 
the hands of Asa Haynes. It was purchased from the 
heirs of Haynes by Murray Aiken, who married his 
daughter Lucy, and is now the property of his descend- 
ants. The old family homestead of the Aiken's stands 
near the brook, close to the Oblong line. 

A list of the inhabitants of the town in 1798 follows: 

"General List of all Dwelling Houses, which with the 
out houses appurtenances thereto and the Lots on which 
the same are erected (not exceeding two acres in any case) 
were owned, possessed or occupied on the first day of 
Oct., 1798, in the town of Franklin, Sixth subdivision 
being within the first assessment District, in the fourth 
Division, in the State of New York, exceeding in value 
the sum of one hundred dollars : 

"Daniel Aiken, John Ambler, Enoch Ambler, Benja- 
min Benedict, John Birdsall, Phineas Baker, Avery 
Baker, Dr. Richard S. Bryan, Elisha Brown, Stephen 

202 



Putnam County 

Barnum, Gideon Baxter, Wm. Burnes, Jacob Bustick, 
Isaac Beech, Augur Beech, David Barnum, Joseph 
Boughton, James Baker, George Bustick, Lewis Burton, 
Thomas Birdsall, Silas Burch, Daniel Burch, James 
Birdsall, David Burch, Joel W. Church, Reuben Crosby, 
Abner Crosby, Benj. Cowl, Aaron Coe, Thomas Crosby, 
Samuel Colwell, Solomon Crane, Stephen Crosby, Sam- 
uel Cornwall, Alexander Douglass, John Douglass, 
Elijah Dean, Reuben Dean, Nathaniel Delavan, Jabez 
Elwell, Abner Elwell, Jabez Elwell, Jr., Elijah Fairchild, 
Charity Foster, Edmond Foster, Lydia Foster, Jonathan 
Fowler, Andrew Frasier, John Fowler, Jane Fisher, 
Samuel Aikins, Darius Aikins, Nathaniel Baker, Jacob 
Burch, James Burton, Silas Burton, Michael Bowsems, 
Jacob Bradshaw, Azariah Bolt, Joel Church, Peter 
Delavan, Daniel Flynn, James Fairchild, Elisha Gifford, 
Wm. McGilland, Abraham Hill, Asabel Hamilton, Josiah 
Hinckley, James Hays, Jr., Nehemiah Jones, Sarah Jones, 
Elizabeth Jones, Eli Jones, Simon Jennings, Benj. 
Isaias, Wm. Merritt, John Mulinix, Edward Mooney, 
James Grant, Thomas Hinckley, Samuel Hinckley, 
David Hill, David Hickock, Asa Hanes, John Hinckley, 
Zebulon Homan, Abel Hodges, Stephen Hurlburt, Stephen 
Hayt, John Hayt, Samuel Hayt, David Haviland, Ferris 
Hill, Gamaliel Hickock, David Hickock, Jr., Obadiah 
Howland, Nath. Haviland, Benj. Haviland, Daniel Havi- 
land, Jr., Daniel Haviland, Timothy Haviland, Thomas 
Haviland, Moses Haviland, Zach. Hinman, Peter Hep- 
burn, Samuel Haviland, Jr., Birdsall Haviland, John 
Hubbard, James Hart well, Benj. Isaacs, Nehemiah 
Jones, Nathaniel Jones, Joseph Jones, Blackleach Jessup, 
Ezra Jennings, James Kellogg, Enoch Lewis, Elisha 
Lewis, Stephen Lawrence, Amos Leech, Amos Leech, Jr., 

203 



Historical Record 

Jesse Lane, John McLane, Daniel McLane, Gilbert 
Merritt, Violet Morrison, Higham Mabee, Martha 
Newman, Seth Nickerson, Joshau Newbery, Edg. New- 
bery, Eli Northrop, Isaac Northrup, Seth Nickerson, Jr., 
Joshua Nickerson, John Olmstead, Benj. Ogden, Medad 

Palmer, Ebenezer Palmer, Phillips, James Phillips, 

Matthew Paterson, John Paterson, Simeon Perry, 
Pat. Stiles, James Parrott, Nath. Richards, Joseph 
Rogers, Joseph Robertson, John Sunderland, Lewis 
Robertson, Amos Rogers, Martin Robertson, Jeheil 
Stephens, Abijah Starr, Elijah Stone, Uriah Sill, John 
Stewart, Darius Stone, Mary Sturgis, Jonathan Squires, 
John Tweedy, Samuel Towner, Peter Terry, Joseph 
Truesdale, James Wright, Elizabeth Watts, Justice Weed,^ 
David Mooney, John Miller, Abm. Maybee, Elijah 
Moorhouse, Isachar Nickerson, JWm. Palmer, Nathan 
Palmer, Ebenezer Palmer, Abner Phillips, Stiles Peet, 
John Robinson, Peter Scot, John Stephens, Wm. Stow, 
Darius Stone, John Toger, Gilbert Turner, Henry 
Thomas, Hezekiah Wheeley, Jane Watts, Zebulon 
Washburn, Elijah Wixon, Stephen Yale." 

A few years before the Revolution, a number of 
Scotch families settled in this vicinity and the names 
Paterson, Grant, McLean, Fraser and others frequently 
appear, but the greater portion of the settlers came from 
the eastern part of New England, and a few came from 
Westchester county. 

Fredericksburg village was considered of some import- 
ance during the Revolution though there were but few 
houses there. It is stated that several persons whom the 
war had driven from New York came to this place. On 
one occasion they took a fancy to elect a mayor and al- 
dermen, and went through the cerenjony of establishing 

204 



Putnam County 

Fredericksburg as a "City." For a long time, and even 
now occasionally, it is mentioned as "the City." 

The southern part of the town of Patterson is the 
north half of Lot 8 of Philipse Patent, and the early 
inhabitants of this portion were tenants of Mrs. Margaret 
Ogilvie, widow of Philip Philipse, and her children. 

In the northwestern part of Lot 8 is a small lake which 
bears the name of Hinckley Pond, from a family who 
settled near it, about the middle of the 18th century. 
On the east side of this pond was a large tract of several 
hundred acres which was held by Abner Crosby as a 
tenant of the Philipse family. In the survey of the lot 
made in 1810, a corner of one of the farms, which border- 
ed on the pond, was said to be "a rock of great size and 
eminence, which was rolled down from the top of the 
mountain by some of the neighboring inhabitants, on 
Christmas day, 1785." Frederick Philipse sold to 
Joshua and Samuel Mabie, 120 acres of the same tract 
February 6, 1813, and it is described as "bounded west 
by Hinckley Pond and its outlet, Muddy brook." This 
was sold to William Merritt by Samuel Mabie in 1837. 

Hinckley Pond was purchased by the National Ice 
Company of New York, Nov. 8, 1874, from parties 
claiming it as owners of the adjoining land. The repre- 
sentatives of the Philipse family claiming it as unsold 
property, and as a portion of their ancestral domain, 
commenced a suit for possession in 1886. This suit 
finally resulted in favor of the defendant company. 

Towner's Station on the Harlem Railroad, is a small 
village, which derives its name from the Towner family, 
who were early settlers. Among the rare documents 
which yet remain of pre-Revolutionary times, is a lease 
given by Beverly Robinson to Samuel Towner. This 

205 



Historical Record 

lease, which is printed in blank, conveys to Samuel 
Towner, aged 27, his wife Mary, aged 24, and their 
oldest child Hannah, aged 5, during their three lives, 
"All that tract beginning at a black oak tree, on the 
northwesterly side of Muddy brook, in Philip Philipse 
line and is the south-west corner of farm 60. Thence 
down the several courses of Muddy brook, to the upper 
corner of farm 25, now in possession of Rowland Piny. 
Thence S. 81 degrees West 40 chains, to the northeast 
corner of farm 26, thence South 3 degrees 15 minutes 
West, 25 chains 63 links, to a stake on the road, then N. 
61 degrees 45 minutes W. 16 chains 24 links along the 
road. Thence S. 42 chains 32 links to a chestnut sapling 
in Philip Philipse's line and is the S. E. corner of farm 23. 
Then East 48 chains along Philipse line to the beginning 
and is described in a map and return book made by 
Benjamin Morgan, as farm 61. The above courses 
were run in April, 1761, from which time the variation 
of the compass must be allowed, containing 269 acres, 
more or less." 

In this lease the mines and minerals were reserved, 
and also all mill privileges. The rent was to be "27 
ounces of silver plate of the value of Sevil Pillar, or 
Mexico plate," annually for the first ten years, and six 
ounces more for each additional ten years. The lessee 
was to plant 200 apple trees and 50 other fruit trees 
within five years, and within ten years he was to erect 
"a good stone, brick or frame house, 30 feet in length and 
24 feet wide, at least." This lease is dated November 27, 
1773, and witnessed by John Terrill and Malcom 
Morrison. After the Revolution this, like all the rest of 
the property of Beverly Robinson, was confiscated and 

206 



Putnam County 

sold. The following certificate was found among the 
papers of the Towner family: 

"The Commissioners of Forfeitures in the middle 
district do certify that they have sold at Public Vandue 
at the house of Matthew Paterson, Esq., in Fredericks- 
burg Precinct, in Dutchess County, to Samuel Towner, a 
farm of land now in possession of said Towner, containing 
about 269 acres, for the sum of twelve thousand and 
twenty five pounds Continental money. Said farm is 
situated in the Precinct of Fredericksburg, and is 
become forfeited to the People of the State of New York, 
by the attainder of Beverly Robinson, late of said 
County, Esq., and Susannah his wife. As witness our 
hands this 23d day of August, 1780. 

"DAN. GRAHAM, Com. of 
"SAML. DODGE, Forfeitures." 

Patterson village, lies in a rich agricultural district in 
the valley of the Croton, about eight miles east of Car- 
mel, and one mile south of the Dutchess county line. 
During the Revolution and previous thereto it was called 
Fredericksburg. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH was founded by 
Rev. David Close, its first pastor, who came from North 
Salem about 1775. He died here March 19, 1783, during 
his labors, and was buried by the side of the church. 
After fifty years had passed, his remains were removed to 
the present church graveyard, where a rude stone monu- 
ment marks his resting place. Nothing is known con- 
cerning the church during his pastorate. 

Rev. Samuel Mills was doubtless the next pastor. An 
agreement made June 7, 1787, for the sale of a farm, 
between Humphrey Ogden and John Townsend, bears 

207 



Historical Record 

his signature as a witness, and mentions him as the 
person in whose care the document is to be placed. 

The church was incorporated May 20, 1789. The 
trustees elected were Matthew Paterson, Caleb Frisbee, 
Nathaniel Newman, Abner Osborn, Alexander Kidd, 
Daniel Beebe and Ebenezer Palmer. March 29, 1793, 
the trustees purchased from Thomas Townsend an acre 
of land on the south side of the road, where the chapel 
and schoolhouse now stand, and also another piece which 
is described as "beginning at the northeast corner of the 
burying ground and running north 6 degrees East 1 
chain 10 links, thence N. 84 degrees West 2 chains 27 
links, then South 6 degrees West 1 chain 10 links, then 
South 84 degrees East 2 chains 27 links, containing 34 of 
an acre. The price was £14. May 22, 1793, Stiles 
Peet and Lydia, his wife, sold to Henry Ludington, 
David Hecock, Lewis Stebbins, Samuel A. Barker, 
Nathaniel Newman, Enoch Lewis and Abner Osborn, 
trustees of the church, "All that certain tract of land 
in Frederickstown beginning at a stake being the south- 
west corner of the lot hereby conveyed, and in the line 
of land belonging to the Episcopal church and running 
'northerly bounding on the land aforesaid and on land 
'lately purchased by the trustees above, of Thomas 
' Townsend and Sarah, his wife, for a burying ground for 
'the said Presbyterian Society, 216 feet to a stake. 
'Thence easterly bounding on said Peets own land 52 
'feet to a stake, then southerly, also bounding on said 
'Peet 216 feet to a stake by the road, then westerly 63 
'feet to the place of beginning, being 34 of an acre." 
The price paid was 40 shillings, and the witnesses were 
Medad Palmer and Alexander Mills. On this lot the 
first meeting house was built. The erection of a second 

208 




J. H. DOUGHTY, M. D. 




ROBERT W. DOUGHr 



Putnam County 

building was started in 1794, but it was not finished until 
several years later. In September, 1794, the Rev. John 
Close was appointed by the Hudson Presbytery to organ- 
ize the church in Fredericksburg and administer the 
sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Rev. Isaac Orton was 
the pastor from June, 1795 to September, 1798. In 
September, 1799, Rev. Mr. Judd served for six months. 
Other pastors were Rev. Jason Perkins, May 29, 1802 
to November, 1803; Rev. John McNeice, November, 
1803 to 1808; Rev. Herman Daggett, May, 1808 to 
August 9, 1813. During the year 1818 services were 
held by Rev. John Clark. Rev. John Johnston came in 
September, 1820, and June 8, 1822, was succeeded by 
Rev. E. M. McLaughlin. Rev. M. Quin began service 
March 2, 1823. Rev. Epenetus Benedict began his 
ministry here Jan. 25, 1827, and continued in service 
until his death, Aug. 15, 1870. 

The present church edifice was erected in 1836. 

THE BAPTIST CHURCH was constituted Dec. 1, 
1790, as the Second Baptist Church of Frederickstown. 
In 1797 the name was changed to "Franklin Baptist 
Church." It was incorporated Sept. 15, 1794, with 
Heman King, Joseph Truesdell and Roswell Wilcox as 
trustees. The first pastor, Elder Simeon Smith, was 
called in May, 1795. Dec. 21, 1797, Brother Moses 
Phinamber was engaged to preach half the time during 
the winter. From that time until February, 1832, when 
the Rev. John Mitchell was called, the church appears to 
have had no regular pastor. 

The church edifice was dedicated October 16, 1867. 
The church burying ground opposite was donated by 
John Towner April 2, 1828. 

209 



Historical Record 

CHRIST CHURCH. The date of the founding of [ 
this church is unknown. The land around it was sold 
by the commissioners of forfeitures in 1782 to John 
Rosekrans, but the Episcopal church and one-half acre 
of land for a graveyard were reserved "out of the survey." 
A meeting at which the Rev. Robert G. Wetmore pre- 
sided was held July 5, 1797, when the following officers 
were elected: Uriah Mitchell and Darius Stone, wardens; 
Dr. Richard S. Bryant, James Kellogg, John Paterson, 
Samuel Cornwall, Nathan Palmer, Archibald Campbell, 
Jacob Haviland and Benjamin Brooks, vestrymen. 

In 1835 a subscription paper for a new church building 
was circulated. This building was finished and dedi- 
cated June 16, 1837. 

QUAKER MEETING HOUSE. Among the Quaker 
families who settled on that portion of the Oblong 
which lies in Putnam county were the Havilands, of 
Haviland Hollow. Daniel Haviland was a preacher of 
this sect, and to establish a meeting house in this neigh- 
borhood, he and his brother gave land for the purpose in 
1782. It is upon this tract that the meeting house is 
located. 

METHODIST CHAPEL, Haviland Hollow. This 
chapel is connected with the church at New Fairfield, 
Conn., but the parsonage is located in this town, near 
the chapel. The house and land were purchased of the 
Cowl family many years ago. The Oblong line runs 
through the parsonage house and the chapel. 

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, at Towners, was built 
in 1875. Its first pastor was Rev. Patrick J. Healy. 



210 



Ml 



CHAPTER X 
THE TOWN OF PHILIPSTOWN 

THE present limits of the town embrace the three 
River Lots of Philipse Patent (with the exception 
of the northwest part of Lot 3), and that portion 
of Lot 4 which lies north of the Philipstown Turnpike and 
west of the present boundary of the town of Kent. 

It is the most westerly town of the county, and extends 
about ten miles along the Hudson River. It is bounded 
north by the line of Dutchess county; south, by the 
Westchester county line; east, by the town of Putnam 
Valley; west, by the Hudson River. 

Its surface is broken by numerous steep and rocky 
mountain ridges. These mountains constitute the most 
elevated peaks of the Highlands. Among the peaks in 
this town are Anthony's Nose, which is 1228 feet above 
the Hudson, Sugar Loaf, 800 feet, Breakneck Mountain, 
and Bull, Hog-back, Vinegar, Cot, Pine and Fort Hills. 

Clove creek flows through the northern part of the 
town, and Canopus creek through the northeastern 
corner. Other streams flowing into the Hudson are 
Foundry, Breakneck, Andreas and Indian brooks. 

The first change in the boundaries of the town was 
made March 14, 1806, when by an Act of the Legislature 
"All such part of the town of Philipstown as lies north of 
the west line beginning by the north river at the south- 
westermost end of Breakneck Hill, and running from 
thence north 52 degrees east to the division line between 

211 



Historical Record 

the same towns, is hereby annexed to the town of Fish- 
kill, any law to the contrary notwithstanding." 

This change of territory in the vicinity of what is now 
Dutchess Junction was made for the convenience of the 
early settlers. 

The next change in the limits of the town was March 
14, 1839, when the present town of Putnam Valley was 
established, which embraced the greater part of Beverly 
Robinson's Long Lot. 

Lot No. 1, or "Beverly Robinson's Lot," as it was 
termed, is the southern extremity of this town. In 1753 
the south line was described as "Beginning at a red cedar 
tree marked, on the north side of the hill, Commonly 
called Anthony's Nose, which is likewise the north 
bounds of Col. Stephen Van Cortlandt's land or Manor 
of Cortlandt, and running east along the line of said 
Manor 360 chains to a white oak marked with P 1753." 

The east line of the lot began at the white oak men- 
tioned and "ran north 10 degrees east, 340 chains to a 
chestnut tree marked P. R. 1753, on the west side, 
standing on the east side of a steep rocky mountain." 

The north line began at this chestnut tree and "ran 
south 75 degrees, west 174 chains to a heap of stones, on 
high hill, then north 65 degrees west 83 chains to a pine 
tree standing by Hudson's River marked P. R., by a heap 
of stones 22 chains below a rock called and known by the 
name of the Old Wife, lying in the mouth of the brook." 
This point on the river is about a quarter of a mile north 
of the ferry at Garrisons. A stone wall marks the line 
which runs across the middle of the railroad tunnel. 

Previous to the Revolution the inhabitants of this tract 
were very few in number. A few tenants were scattered 
on farms, but the rugged and mountainous nature of a 

212 




JACOB SCHRAUTH 




EDWARD L. SCHRAUTH WILLIAM H. SCHRAUTH 



Putnam County 

large portion of the lot rendered it less desirable as a place 
of settlement, than the fertile valleys in the eastern part 
of Philipse Patent, and the number of inhabitants of 
Philipse Precinct in 1777 was small compared with the 
precincts of Fredericksburg and Southeast. 

At the time of the confiscation of the estate of Col. 
Robinson, the greater part of Lot 1 was sold to William 
Denning. The deed for a large tract on the eastern 
part of the lot is on record in the Clerk's Office of Putnam 
County. 

The central part of Philipstown embraces Lot 2 of 
Philipse Patent, which was allotted to Philip Philipse 
in 1754. In 1769 this tract was surveyed and divided 
into eight lots, by David Lambert, who made a map of it. 
The owners of the lots are mentioned by their last names, 
except the Davenports. Their full names were, doubt- 
less, Lot 1, Eli, or Justus Nelson; 2, John Eldridge; 3, 
Thomas Davenport; 4, William Davenport; 5, John 
Rogers; 6, Thomas Sarles; 7, Elijah Budd; 8, Joshua 
Lamoreaux. 

The names of the early settlers on this tract are only 
to be learned from mention made in various records, 
such as surveys of highways and minutes of town meet- 
ings. The earliest names found are in the survey of 
highways in 1745: Eli Nelson, Francis Nelson, David 
Hustis, Nathan Lane, Gilbert Cronkhyt, Joseph Jaycox, 
Joseph Aries, Joseph Cronkhyt, Thomas Davenport, 
William Davenport. 

The following list includes the persons whose names 
appear on the town records between 1772 and 1782, 
and includes the people living in Putnam Valley, which 
was then a portion of Philipstown: Beverly Robinson, 
John Crompton, Joseph Lane, Caleb Nelson, William 

213 



Historical Record 

Dusenbury, Israel Taylor, Isaac Davenport, Justus 
Nelson, Cornelius Tompkins, John Likely, Elijah Budd, 
Isaac Rhodes, Isaac Norton, Joseph Haight, Jacob 
Mandeville, Thomas Davenport, John Jones, James 
Lamoreaux, Moses Dusenbury, William White, John 
Winn, Reuben Drake, John Meeks, Samuel Warren, 
John Nelson, Uriah Drake, John Armstrong, John 
Cavery, Edward Weeks, Anthony Field, Cornelius Gea, 
Joseph Knapp, Peter Bell, Nathaniel Jagger, Stephen 
Lawrence, Jedediah Frost, Peter Dubois, Joshua Nelson, 
Peter Snouck, Joseph Husted, John Avery, Thomas 
Bassford, Sylvanus Haight, Benjamin Rogers, Stephen 
Conklin, Daniel Bugbee, Daniel Wiltsie, John Sherwood, 
Reuben Tompkins, Stephen Davenport, John Van Am- 
burg, Ezekiel Gee, Samuel Jenkins, Jacob Read, Isaac 
Odell, Capt. Israel Knapp, John Haight, Hendrick 
Riers, Amos Odell, Jacob Armstrong, William Christian, 
Oliver Odell, Aaron Odell, Henry Elton, Robert Oakley, 
Thomas Smith, Joseph Aries, William Wright, Christo- 
pher Fowler, Jonathan Ones, Gabriel Archer, Sylvanus 
Lockwood, Abraham Garrison, Joshua Mead, Hendrick 
Post, Absolom Nelson, Peter Ryall, William White, 
Capt. George Lane, Peter Likely, Gilbert Budd, James 
Jaycox, Henry Wiltsie, Peter Drake, Matthew McCabe, 
Cornelius Tompkins, Daniel Buckbee, Comfort Chad- 
wick, Thomas Lewis, Nathan Lane, Moses Dusenbury, 
Jr., Joseph Garrison, Peter Warren, Peter Kelly, John 
Yeoman, Abraham Croft, Abraham Marling, Joseph Bare, 
Elisha Budd, Titus Travis, Gilbert Oakley, John Drake, 
John Edgar, Philip Steinbeck, John Knapp, Isaac Jaycox, 
Richard Denney, Isaac Garrison, David Henion, Isaac 
Danforth, Thomas Williams, John Christian, Jesse Owen, 
William Dusenbury, Solomon Smith, Thomas Bryant, 

214 



Putnam County 

Joshua Tompkins, Charles Christian, Jonathan Miller, 
James Penny, Nathaniel Tompkins, Col. Samuel Drake. 

The northern part of the town is embraced in the limits 
of Lot 3 of the Philipse Patent, which was the property 
of Roger Morris and his wife. 

David Hustis, who was born in Westchester County 
in 1690 settled in 1730 in this part of the town, near the 
North Highland Church, on the road from Cold Spring 
to Fishkill. He was the ancestor of the Hustis families 
in Philipstown, and the town of Fishkill. He became a 
tenant at will of the patentee and rented 310 acres of land 
at five pounds per year. In 1745 he was appointed one 
of the commissioners to lay out highways. 

The families of Haight, Bloomer and Wilson came 
shortly after, and those who were here before the Revolu- 
tion became landlords after the war by purchasing their 
farms from the commissioners of forfeiture. Among the 
larger landholders was Daniel Ter Boss, who purchased 
about 1,500 acres in the northern part of the lot. Ben- 
jamin Bloomer had 340 acres in the western part, Isaac 
Springer had a smaller tract, with a saw mill, which he 
gave to his son Isaac about 1790. Nathaniel Anderson 
had about 260 acres. John Haight had 256 acres on 
the east side of the Post road near the north line of the 
lot. Martin Wiltsie had a tract in the southwest corner 
of the lot, and Gilbert Bloomer had 298 acres immediately 
north of this. A family named Jay cox was also among 
the early settlers. 

All of this section of the town is included in the lands 
once owned by Col. Roger Morris, whose name must 
ever be connected with the history of the county. 

Col. Roger Morris, was a descendant from Cadigan, 
of Philip Dorddw, a powerful Welch chieftan, in high 

215 



Historical Record 

favor with the Duke of Argyle, and the Earl of Pem- 
broke. His father, Roger Morris, married Mary, daugh- 
ter of Sir Peter Jackson, Kt., Turkey merchant of Lon- 
don. He died January 13, 1748. His third son was 
Roger, born January 28, 1727, who entered the British 
army and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. He 
served with distinction and was with General Braddock 
in the fatal battle of Monongahela, where he was severely 
wounded. Col. Morris afterward settled in New York, 
and at the commencement of the Revolution was a mem- 
ber of the Council for the colony, and continued in office 
until the peace. He married Mary Philipse, daughter of 
Frederick Philipse, January 19, 1758, at her father's 
residence, the old Manor House at Yonkers. In the 
upper part of New York City, at West 169th Street, a 
little below High Bridge, stands an elegant mansion, 
which was the country residence of Col. Morris for many 
years. After the Revolution, this mansion, like the rest 
of the property of Col. Morris and his wife, was confis- 
cated, and afterward passed into the hands of Madame 
Jumel, the second wife of Aaron Burr. It is now known 
as the "Jumel Mansion." 

With the close of the war came the Act of Attainder, 
by which the vast estate of Roger Morris and his wife 
was confiscated, and they themselves compelled to flee 
to England as exiles, under pain of death if they returned. 
Of their life in exile but little is known. Col. Morris died 
in 1794, and his wife in 1825. They were buried in the 
vault of St. Saviour's Church, in York. Colonel Morris 
and his wife were the parents of five children: Joanna, 
wife of Thomas Cowper Hincks; Amherst, who died 
unmarried in 1802; Margaret, who died in 1766, aged two 
years; Maria, and Henry Gage. 

216 




Q 

55 
i— i 

O 

Q 
i— i 

> 
Q 



Putnam County 

The northeastern part of the town is the north end of 
Lot No. 4 of Philipse Patent, and generally known as 
"Beverly Robinson's Long Lot." This portion of the 
town is mountainous, and thinly inhabited. The eastern 
part was annexed to the town of Kent some years ago. 
A tract of 1,100 acres of woodland, at the junction of 
the Shenandoah and Wicopee roads, was sold to the 
Fishkill Iron Company in 1838, and the iron ore and tract 
in the north part of the town was sold to the same com- 
pany by William Bushnell in 1864. 

In 1802, Lot No. 2, which was then in the possession 
of Mrs. Margaret Ogilvie, Frederick Philipse, and Mrs. 
Mary Gouverneur, wife of Samuel Gouverneur, and 
daughter of Frederick Philipse, was again surveyed and 
divided by Henry Livingston, of Poughkeepsie. 

The south line is described as beginning at a monu- 
ment of stones distant 40 links from high water mark, 
on Hudson's River, "from which monument a course N. 
67 degrees W. strikes about 25 links north of the north- 
ermost bastion of Fort Putnam, and from high water 
mark (crossing the said monument) S. 67 degrees 21 
minutes E. along the line of Lot No. 1, 86 chains 37 links 
to a monument of stones erected on the summit of 
Redoubt Hill about fifty yards south of the south side of 
the old north redoubt. Thence along the same lot N. 
72 degrees, 11 minutes East 20 chains at the fence on 
the north side of the ferry road. At 103 chains 80 links 
about 1 chain south of the remains of a saw mill formerly 
belonging to Benjamin Rogers. At 105 chains 80 links 
about 1 chain south of the remains of a saw mill formerly 
belonging to Benjamin Rogers. At 130 chains 25 links 
in the middle of the Post Road. At 155 chains 50 links 
in the middle of a road leading from Canopus or its 

217 



Historical Record 

vicinity to the Post road near R. Hopper's; in all 177 
chains to the north east angle of Lot No. 1, and joining 
the west side of long Lot No. 4 where now grows a chest- 
nut sapling, on which are engraved the letters P. R. 175. 
This sapling grows from a stump joining which a chest- 
nut tree is now lying on the trunk of which is plainly 
discernible the letters P. R. Thence along the west side 
of lot No. 4 N. 7 degrees 35 minutes E. (at 263 chains, 
the south branch of the Clove Creek here called Barlow 
brook and at 298 chains the north branch of said Clover 
Creek) in all 382 chains 66 links to a walnut tree with 
stones heaped around it about 3 chains west of the 
dwelling house of Abraham Ireland, and about 1 chain 
25 links north of a road leading to the Post road. This 
monument is the south angle of Lot No. 3. 

"Then along the south side of said lot No. 3 S. 74 
degrees 22 minutes W. at 14 chains, 50 links 9 yards 
north of the dwelling house of John Barton at 73 chains 
50 links at Holys brook; at 157 chains 33 links in the 
middle of the Post road; at 222 chains 70 links in Mar- 
garet brook, a saw mill near to the north east; and at 
274 chains 15 links on the top of the eastern summit which 
constitutes Bull Hill. In all 391 chains and 60 links 
to the high water mark of Hudson's river at a hemlock 
tree in a gully between Break neck Hill and Bull Hill. 
Then down the river including Martelaer's Rock to be- 
ginning, Containing 9164 acres and 27 perches of land 
exclusive of Martelaer's Rock and any part of the mar- 
shes." 

The whole tract was divided into 50 lots, which were 
in possession of the following persons at that time (1802), 
as lessees of the Philipse family: 

No. 1, William Barber, 242 acres; 2, Daniel Haight, 

218 



Putnam County 

81; 3, Edward Meeks, 35; 4, Josiah Mekeil, 202; 5, 
Samuel Cole and John Griffin, 16; 6, Charles Hill, 44; 
7, John H. Gannung, 50; 8, Sylvanus Wood, 71; 9, 
Samuel Cole and John Griffin, 151; 10, Abraham Garri- 
son, 154; 11, Justus Nelson, 384; 12, Joseph Garrison, 
131; 13, Isaac Mead, 303; 14, Joseph Ferris, 120; 15, Peter 
Warren, 294; 21, Tho. McKeil, 15; 22, John La Count 
& Caleb Ferris, 218; 23, Tho. & John Sawyer, 88; 24, 
Peter & Wm. Sine, 173; 25, Absolom Early, 197; 26, 
Joshua Purdy, 125; 27, Richard Denney, 505; 28, 
vacant lot, 122; 29TSamuel Purdy, 164; 30, Elijah 
Budd, 213; 31, Wm. Lovelace, 401 ; 32, Matthew Snook, 
147; 33, Isaac Davenport, 903; 35, Mary Davenport, 
widow of Stephen Davenport, 509; 35, Tho. Sutton, 
homestead, 502; 37, Benj. Odell, 90; 38, Jonathan Odell, 
102; 39, Tho. Mekeil, 93; 40, Uriah Mekeil, 80; 41, 
Joshua Mead, 310; 42, James Nelson, 190; 43, Richard 
Smith, 82; 44, Wm. Bashford, 22; 45, Wm. Saurin, 51; 
46, John Crosier, 182; 47, Moses Downing, 152; 48, 
Tho. Henyon, 150; 49, John Barton, 174; 50, Martelaer's 
Rock or Constitution Island, and "may contain 240 acres 
but I did not survey it." 

Running west the north line of this lot crosses the Post 
road a few rods south of the Barrett house. Next to 
Hudson River the line forms the south boundary of the 
old Bailey farm, about a mile and a half north of Cold 
Spring. 

After the death of Mrs. Margaret Ogilvie in 1807, the 
whole of this lot became the property of her son, Freder- 
ick Philipse, and his daughter, Mary, wife of Samuel 
Gouverneur. Their son, Frederick P. Gouverneur as- 
sumed the name of Frederick Philipse, by authority of 
an Act of Legislature, April 7, 1830. A deed of con- 

219 



Historical Record 

veyance, dated December 31, 1830, states that "whereas 
Frederick Philipse late of Philipstown, on divers occa- 
sions expressed his will and intention to bequeath to 
Frederick P. Gouverneur the following land." In 
accordance with this Samuel Gouverneur and wife con- 
veyed to him a tract of 350 acres "Beginning at a rock 
with a birch and hemlock tree growing on it, on the shore 
of Hudson's river, about 4 chains 35 links from Coney's 
Point, and south of the land of Cornelius Nelson, and 
running by several courses to the ferry road, then up the 
road as it runs south east to the division line between 
Philipse and Robinson water lots, then along said line S. 
7234 degrees West 20 chains to the top of the mountain, 
thence N. 673^2 degrees W. 86 chains 37 links to the river 
and along the same to the place of beginning." 

From time to time various tracts and farms were 
sold by Frederick Philipse and Mary Gouverneur. 

The mansion house of Captain Frederick Philipse, 
known as "Highland Grange," stood near the north- 
western corner of the plateau which juts out into the 
river at the cove into which Philipse brook flows, and is 
about 150 feet above the water. At the head of the cove 
the old river road came down to the "Philipse dock." 
This house was erected in 1800, and totally destroyed 
by fire in 1860. 

About 1730 John Rogers settled on the old Post road, 
near the south part of Lot 2, where he built a tavern. 
Another early settler was Thomas Sarles, whose house 
was north of the mills owned by James Nelson near the 
junction of the Post road and the Highland Turnpike. 
Some distance north of this was the house of Elijah 
Budd. Gilbert Budd lived at what is called Mekeel's 
Corners, the junction of the Post road and Philipstown 

220 



Putnam County 

Turnpike. The Lamoreaux were a French family, who 
settled on the Post road still farther north, their tract 
embracing the northeast corner of the lot. 

The town records of Philipstown, or rather of Philipse 
Precinct, begin in 1772. Extracts from these records 
throw some light on the names of the early inhabitants 
of the town, and are here transcribed: 

"At a town meeting in Philipse Precinct, in Dutchess 
county, on the 5th day of April, 1772. 

"John Crompton, Clerk; Beverly Robinson, Super- 
visor; Joseph Lane and Caleb Nelson, Assessors; Wil- 
liam Dusenbury, Collector; Israel Taylor and Isaac 
Davenport, Constables; Justus Nelson and Cornelius 
Tompkins, Poor masters; Cornelius Tompkins, Pound 
master for Peekskill Hollow ; John Likely, Pound master 
for Canopus Hollow; Elijah Budd, Pound master on the 
Post road; Caleb Nelson, Pound master on the river; 
Isaac Rhodes and Moses Dusenbury, fence viewers; 
Joseph Haight and James Lamoreaux, fence viewers; 
Isaac Horton and John Jones, fence viewers; Jacob 
Mandeville and Thos. Davenport, fence viewers; Isaac 
Rhodes Highway master for ye road from Fredericks- 
burg Precinct to the bridge over Peekskill river, near 
Lewis Jones. 

'Wm. White, Highway master for the road from Wm. 
Dusenbury's, up Peekskill Hollow, to the bridge near 
Lewis Jones, which bridge he is to make with his hands 
and to continue up the Hollow to the line of Fredericks- 
burg Precinct. 

"John Winn, Highway master for the road from the 
Cold Spring, along Wicopee road to the line of Rumbout's 
Precinct, all the people living north of said Spring to 
belong to his company. 

221 



Historical Record 

"Reuben Drake High way master from Drake's mills 
up Canopus Hollow to the Post road. 

"John Meeks Highway master on the Post road from 
Westchester line to Joseph Bards. 

"Elijah Budd Highway master on ye Post road from 
Thomas Sarles to Rumbout Precinct. 

"Jacob Mandeville Highway master from the Post 
road near widow Aries through the Highlands to sd. 
Mandeville's house, from thence to Caleb Nelson's, and 
from thence to Christopher Fowler's and from thence to 
the first mentioned road. 

"John Nelson Highway master from Mr. Robinson's 
mills, to his father's from thence to Thomas Williamson's, 
and from thence to Mr. Robinson's house. 

"Tho. Davenport Highway master from Caleb Nel- 
son's to his house and from thence through the woods to 
the Post road near Elijah Budd's. 

"N. B. all the foregoing persons were chosen unan- 
imously except Cornelius Tompkins Poor master, who 
was opposed by Uriah Drake, who demanded a poll at 
the close of which Cornelius Tompkins had 47 votes 
Uriah Drake 35 do 



12 difference 
upon which Cor's Tompkins was declared poor master." 

The following has a certain interest as it is the last time 
that the name of Beverly Robinson occurs in the records 
of the town where he had been the ruling man for so 
many years : 

"In comply ance with an Act of the Colony of New 
York, Intitled 'An Act for Highways,' passed the 27th 

day of Nov. I now inform you that on the 

came to my house three stray cattle * * * They 

222 



Putnam County 

all appear to be two years old last spring and were all 
marked with a crop on the off ear. I desire the descrip- 
tion of these cattle may be entered at large on the Town 
Books agreeable to the direction of the above noticed 
Act of Assembly also my place of abode. 

"BEV. ROBINSON. 

"Highlands, 1774. 

"MOSES DUSENBURY Town Clerk." 

Town meetings were held at the houses of John Likely 
and Cyrus Horton, in Canopus Hollow, which were cen- 
tral places before the town of Putnam Valley was set off. 

At the northeast corner of Lot 1 of the Philipse patent 
is situated the old Hopper farm. Richard Hopper, the 
original occupant, was a tenant under Beverly Robinson 
before the Revolution. The farm, which was bounded 
north by the north line of Lot No. 1, and east by the east 
line of the same lot, which separates it from Beverly 
Robinson's Long Lot No. 4, contained more than 200 
acres, and after the Revolution was sold by the com- 
missioners of forfeiture, with several thousand acres 
adjoining, to William Denning. William Denning sold 
the farm to Richard Hopper November 2, 1786, and he 
gave it to his son Edward, who died in 1850, leaving it to 
his children, Effie Griffin, Richard, Nathaniel, Michael 
and Samuel Hopper. On the southwest side of the Post 
road is a small portion of this farm, situated at the place 
where the road crosses the top of Canopus Hill. This has 
always been known as the "Mine Lot" and the "Hopper 
Mine." Iron ore was taken from this mine by Richard 
Hopper about 1820. He gave the land to his son Na- 
thaniel, but reserved the mine and mineral right, which 
fell to his children. Two-fifths of this right were after- 

223 



Historical Record 

wards sold to John Travis (who married Effie, daughter 
of Richard Hopper, grandson of the original owner of 
the farm) by Michael and Richard Hopper, in 1853. 
Nathaniel Hopper left his right to Edward, Samuel, 
Lorella, and Nathaniel Hopper, by will in 1873. The 
share of Effie Griffin descended to her children, and of 
these, Allen Griffin and Catherine Le Compte sold their 
right to Caspar D. Schulraith, while Emily Foshay sold 
her share to Ferris Chapman, April 5, 1880. 

Upon this title Ferris Chapman began a suit in par- 
tition against the rest of the owners under the right 
descending from Richard Hopper. When the case 
came to trial the heirs of Frederick Philipse presented 
their claim and demanded to be considered as defendants 
upon the following grounds: 

When the Philipse Patent was divided in 1754, in each 
of the partition deeds the mines and minerals were re- 
served, consequently they remained undivided property. 
The confiscation laws only affected the rights which be- 
longed to Beverly Robinson and Roger Morris and their 
wives, and did not affect the right of Philip Philipse, 
which descended to his children. In consequence the 
deed from the commissioners of forfeiture to William 
Denning, and the deed from him to Richard Hopper, 
could only convey the right to the minerals which became 
the property of the State by the confiscation of the 
lands of Robinson and Morris. The case was referred 
to the late Hon. William Wood who, in his report as 
referee, sustained the claims of the Philipse family. This 
was duly confirmed by the court and no appeal was ever 
taken. This mine and the suit connected with it are an 
important point in legal history as establishing the right 

224 




JOHN B. WHITSON 




WILLIAM C, WARWICK 



Putnam County 

of the descendants of Philip Philipse to one-third of the 
minerals throughout the entire county. 

Nelsonville derives its name from Elisha Nelson, who 
for many years was a tenant holding a large farm under 
the Gouverneur family. His house was on the south 
side of the present Main street, and east of the road to 
Garrisons. The West Point Foundry stands on a part 
of this farm. He afterwards leased a piece of land on 
the north side of the road, opposite his first residence, 
and built a house on it, which was the first in the neigh- 
borhood. He then bought three acres and built another 
house a short distance west of the former one. Another 
house on the same side of the street was built by Lewis 
Squires, and when this house was raised a speech was 
made by Elihu Baxter, in which he named the new village 
"Nelsonville." 

GARRISON. This place was originally known as 
Nelson's Landing, from Caleb Nelson who was living in 
the vicinity previous to the Revolution. The land in 
this vicinity was undoubtedly included in the sale of the 
west part of Lot 1, to William Denning, and a tract in the 
northwest corner of the lot is supposed to have been sold 
to the Nelsons by him. April 30, 1803, Cornelius Nelson 
sold to Harry Garrison 125 acres of land, "exclusive of the 
three acres allowed for the use of the church." This land 
is described as "being in Water Lot No. 1, and beginning 
at the North-West corner of said Lot, and thence run- 
ning S. 67 degrees East along the Water lot north line 
49 chains 57 links to a public road." It ran south along 
the road to the south line which touched the river at a 
point a little below the railroad station. 

Harry Garrison was a soldier in the American Revolu- 
tion, and came to Philipstown in 1786. He married 

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Historical Record 

Mary, daughter of Jacob Nelson. Their only son, John 
Garrison, born in 1795, afterwards became Judge of 
Putnam County. When the Hudson River Railroad 
was constructed, Judge Garrison gave to the company 
the ground on which to build a station. It was named 
"Garrison," and the government also adopted the name 
for a post office. 

Col. Beverly Robinson, whose name is so intimately 
connected with the history of this portion of the country, 
was a son of Hon. John Robinson of Virginia, who was 
president of that colony. In early manhood he came 
to New York, where he engaged in business. His mar- 
riage with Susannah Philipse made him son-in-law of 
one of the wealthiest citizens of the colony. For some 
time before the Revolution he made his home in the 
mansion near Garrison's. Col. Robinson and his wife 
were the only members of the Philipse family who made 
their home on the patent, and he was frequently elected 
supervisor of the precinct, and was prominent in the 
business affairs of the county. At the time of the 
Revolution he entered the military service of the Crown. 
His standing in society entitled him to a high rank, and 
he was made colonel of the "Loyal American Legion," 
raised principally by himself, and he also commanded the 
"Corps of Guides and Pioneers," and of the former his 
son Beverly was lieutenant-colonel. During the war 
he was very prominent in cases of defection from the 
Whig cause, and is generally believed to have been privy 
to Arnold's treason. He was on the British man of war 
"Vulture" at the time when Major Andre left the vessel 
to begin his fatal journey. After the conviction and 
sentence of Andre, an unavailing attempt was made to 
save him, and Col. Robinson, as a witness, accom- 

226 



Putnam County 

panied the three commissioners who were sent by Gen. 
Clinton, and also forwarded to Washington a letter in 
which he recalled their former acquaintance. 

At the close of the Revolution Col. Robinson, with a 
portion of his family, went to England, and his name 
appears as a member of the first Council of New Bruns- 
wick, but he never took his seat. 

Upon the establishment of the State Government, 
Col. Robinson and his wife, with a multitude of others, 
were, by Act of Attainder, passed October 22, 1779, 
banished from the State under pain of death if they ever 
returned, and their estates were confiscated and sold by 
the commissioners of forfeiture appointed for that pur- 
pose. The British government allowed him and his wife 
17,000 pounds for the loss of their estate. He died about 
1792. 

Beverly Robinson, Jr., who as "Beverly Robinson 
the younger," was attainted with his parents, was a 
graduate of Columbia College and studied law with 
James Duane. Previous to the Revolution he appears 
to have occupied a farm near the present village of 
Patterson. At the evacuation of New York he was 
placed in command of a large number of loyalists, who 
embarked for Shelburne, N. S., and laid out that place. 
He afterward removed to New Brunswick and resided 
at St. John's. He was a member of His Majesty's Coun- 
cil, and at first suffered much from reduced circum- 
stances, but finally received half pay as an officer. He 
died in New York in 1816, and was buried in St. Paul's 
churchyard. His grave stone stands on the west side 
of the yard, near the southwest corner. 

Beverly House, the home of Col. Robinson, and its 
connection with one of the most important episodes of 

227 



Historical Record 

our Revolutionary history, is treated of in Chapter VI. 
The building was destroyed by fire in 1892. 

On Lots No. 1 and No. 2 of the Philipse Patent are 
the country seats of many families whose names are 
prominent in the social and business world. An early 
purchaser was Thomas Arden, who in 1822 bought a 
large tract of land from the executors of the estate of 
William Denning. In 1861 and '62 Hon. Hamilton Fish 
purchased large tracts including the farm on which stood 
the historic Beverly House. William H. Osborn also 
acquired desirable farms as early as 1858. 

Among the present owners of beautiful country homes 
overlooking the Hudson in the vicinity of Garrison are 
Stuyvesant Fish, Hamilton Fish, William Church 
Osborn, Samuel Sloan, Richard C. Colt, Edward 
Livingston and Henry F. Osborn. 

ST. PHILIP'S CHURCH IN THE HIGHLANDS. 
This church was originally a chapel, and was united 
with St. Peter's church at Peekskill until 1840. The first 
charter to this church was granted August 18, 1770, and 
the first trustees were Beverly Robinson, Charles Moore, 
Jeremiah Drake, Caleb Ward, Joshua Nelson, Thomas 
Davenport and Henry Purdy. The church edifice, 
which is still standing, was built about two miles north 
of Peekskill, on a lot given for the purpose by 
Andrew Johnston, March 23, 1770. The church itself 
is said to have been built in 1766 "by certain subscrip- 
tions both in Cortlandt Manor and the lower end of 
Philipse Upper Patent." It was dedicated by Rev. 
John Ogilvie, D. D., August 9, 1767. A letter to the 
"Venerable Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in 
Foreign Parts," dated October 5, 1770, states: "We 
could not have gone through with our undertaking but 

228 







■^^4^7^ 



Putnam County 

for entering into an agreement with the people on the 
lower end of Philipse Patent, that if they would join 
with us in the building of St. Peter's Church, and in the 
subscription for the support of the minister, that when 
we obtained a missionary he should be settled for both 
places, so as to make but one congregation of the whole : 
To preach every other Sunday at the house of Jacob 
Mandeville. We can assure the venerable Society that 
from the generous offer of Mr. Beverly Robinson, we 
have the hopes of having a very good glebe provided 
within the year." 

Rev. John Doty, son of Joseph Doty, became the first 
rector. He was born in New York about 1750. He 
entered King's College (now Columbia) in 1768, and was 
licensed by the Bishop of London in 1771. He took 
charge of the church June 8, 1771, and was admitted as 
rector, by Governor Tryon, on July 16th of the same 
year. Governor Tryon granted this church a special 
charter, by virtue of which the vestry held a glebe farm 
of 200 acres of land "given by Beverly Robinson, Senior 
Warden, for the use of the Rector officiating one half of 
the time in the Highlands." Rev. Mr. Doty was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Bernard Page, in 1775, who remained for 
a short time. For seventeen years there was no settled 
pastor. 

After the Revolution the Presbyterian Society en- 
deavored to get possession of St. Peter's Church, and 
proceeded so far as to elect trustees. 

April 5, 1750, William Denning, Caleb Ward, Charles 
Worden, Joshua Nelson, Richard Arnold, Caleb Myers, 
James Dusenbury and Silvanus Haight were chosen 
vestrymen for St. Peter's Church, and on November 24, 
1791, they agreed to pay the sum of 20 pounds to the 

229 



Historical Record 

support of David Samson "to read service in St. Peter's 
Church at Peekskill, and at St. Philip's Chapel in the 
Highlands, until the first of April next, and it is further 
agreed that Justus Nelson and Silvanus Haight furnish 
him with necessarys agreeable to a person of his station, 
during the term." Rev. Andrew Fowler became rector 
in 1792, and William Denning as vestryman certified 
that "possession had been obtained of the parsonage 
house and glebe belonging to the Church of St. Peter's 
and St. Philip's, at the Highlands," and in 1794 thanks 
were given to Hon. Pierre Van Cortlandt for his efforts in 
the Legislature to obtain for the church the title to the 
glebe. 

Rev. Mr. Fowler resigned in 1794, and was succeeded 
by Rev. Samuel Hart well, who remained until 1798. 
The next pastor was Rev. Joseph Warren, who remained 
from 1806 to 1814. After this Rev. Adam Empil, chap- 
lain at West Point, officiated for a few Sabbaths and 
administered the communion "of which they had been 
for two years deprived." 

Rev. Petrus S. Ten Broeck was rector in 1817; Ed- 
ward J. Ives in 1826; James Sunderland, 1832; William 
C. Cooley, 1838. 

At the time of the incorporation of this church in 
1840, Rev. Ebenezer Williams was officiating minister. 
Although the church had possession of the parsonage 
farm, it appears that the deed to the church was not 
formally given by Beverly Robinson. After the Revolu- 
tion this farm was, like the rest of the land of Col. 
Robinson, confiscated, but by an Act of the Legislature, i 
the commissioners of forfeitures were inhibited from 
selling the same. The farm had formerly been in the 
possession of one Ebenezer Jones. Beverly Robinson 

230 



Putnam County 

and his wife "tendered to convey" the farm to the church 
in 1772, and in consequence the wardens and vestrymen 
purchased the improvements of Mr. Jones, and built a 
house which was called the "Yellow House," and remain- 
ed in possession "until the services of the country de- 
manded them to yield the same for public use." By an 
Act passed March 27th, 1794, all the title of the State 
to the farm and parsonage was given to the trustees of the 
"United Protestant Churches, of St. Peter's Church, in 
the town of Cortlandt, in Westchester County, and St. 
Philip's Chapel, in Philipstown, and their successors 
forever, in trust for the use of said congregation." 

The glebe farm remained in possession of the two 
churches till April 1, 1839, when it was sold to David 
McCoy. It contained about 200 acres, and the price 
paid was $5,000. 

SOUTH HIGHLAND METHODIST CHURCH. 
The first meetings of this denomination were held in the 
house of Richard Hopper, 2d, and he was the first local 
preacher. David Jaycox was a class leader, and Nathan- 
iel and Michael Hopper were active members. The first 
church was built in 1829, on land purchased from Harry 
Garrison, a portion of a large tract sold to him by 
William Denning. The society was incorporated August 
29, 1829, at a meeting held in the house of Richard 
Hopper, at which time Richard Garrison, David Reed 
and David Jaycox were chosen trustees, the title of the 
organization being the "Second M. E. Church and Con- 
gregation of Philipstown." In 1862 a new church was 
built, and the old one was moved to a piece of land 
bought of Sylvester Haight and used as a parsonage. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, at 
Garrison's, was organized in 1851, the trustees being 

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Historical Record 

Peter Fisher, George Coat, John Bailey, William Collins, 
and John Knowls. The church lot was sold to the 
trustees by John Bailey, April 12, 1851, "a lot on east side 
of highway 52 feet square, for the purpose of building a 
meeting house." 

The church was struck by lightning and greatly dam- 
aged, August 26, 1862. 

OLD HIGHLAND METHODIST EPISCOPAL 
CHURCH. Situated on the old Post road, in the 
northern part of the town, is the Old Highland Methodist 
Church, which is the oldest society of that denomination 
in this section of the county. The land on which the old 
church stood, and where the present edifice stands, was 
conveyed by Robert Hustis to Timothy Wood, Justus 
Nelson and James Wright, as trustees, January 10, 1824, 
the church having been built upon it many years before. 
The parsonage house was originally owned by Rachel 
Warren, and bought by the church from Caleb Hawkes. 
The first building was doubtless erected in 1811. It was 
without walls, and had slabs for seats. In 1852 it was 
repaired and greatly improved by William A. Ladue. 
In September, 1878, it was sold at auction to Milton 
Smith, who converted it into a barn. The present 
church was dedicated January 4, 1879. 

COLD SPRING, the largest village in the town, was 
incorporated April 22, 1846. Previous to 1818, when 
the works of the West Point Foundry Company were 
established here, the village had no existence. The 
whole extent of the village and of Nelsonville is included 
within the limits of the tract known as Lot 4, in the first 
survey of the Philipse Lot, and held by William Daven- 
port as tenant in 1769. At that time and for long years 
after, the only valuable portion of the tract was the 

232 




WILLIAM H. VAN DYNE 



t 






Putnam County 

comparatively few acres that could be cultivated, and 
the shores of the river, which consisted of rugged rock 
and useless marsh, were considered of no practical value 
whatever. 

At the foot of what is now Main street was in former 
times a small bay with marshy shores. This extended 
as far east as the Hudson River railroad tracks. At the 
point where the railroad crosses the north line of the 
street, a spring of cool, sparkling water flowed from the 
bank, called "the Cold Spring," from which the village 
derives its name. 

The first house in this vicinity was built by Thomas 
Davenport and stood opposite the present Methodist 
church. An old road ran down to what is called "Sandy 
Landing." In 1805 Elijah Davenport built a small store 
on the south side of the road, and in 1815, Chauncey 
Weeks moved a frame building down from Nelsonville 
and stationed it just east of the store. The old house 
of Elijah Davenport was still farther east. Two men 
named Haldane and Howel afterward built a store at 
"Sandy Landing." Henry Haldane, who died in 1862, 
was one of the earliest inhabitants of the village. 

In 1815 the Philipstown Turnpike was organized, and 
a good road from Cold Spring through the whole length 
of the country to the Connecticut line was commenced. 

The first school house was built of logs, and stood at a 
place called "Plum Bush," a little south of the village, 
on the road to Garrison's. A frame schoolhouse was 
built, about half a mile east from the house of William 
Davenport, about 1810. Thaddeus Baxter came from 
Carniel and taught school in 1816. The house was 
afterward moved to Griffin's Corner, and a new one 
built where the first Methodist church afterward stood. 

233 



Historical Record 

The Haldane Union Free School is the gift of the late 
James H. Haldane and was erected in 1889 in accord- 
ance with the terms of his will. 

In 1817, Market street was laid out, and was de- 
scribed as "beginning at the westerly end and centre of 
Philipstown turnpike, at Cold Spring landing, being a 
course of S. 54 degrees west to the verge of the flats on 
the easterly side of the channel of Hudson river, at a 
distance of about six chains to the edge of the channel, 
and from the centre of said turnpike, to the extremity of 
the road, completing in all a distance of 80 chains or 
thereabouts." 

The first public work of much magnitude was the 
filling in of the Cold Spring Basin. This was commenced 
in the fall of 1836, and quite a tract of dry ground 
was made at the foot of Main Street. It was at this 
time that the spring which had given its name to the 
locality was covered up and temporarily obliterated. 
In 1838 Main street was straightened. This formerly 
bent round the hill on which the old Catholic church 
stands, and in its course went to the north of the old 
Methodist church, returning to a straight line near 
Kemble avenue. 

By an Act passed March 25, 1867, it was provided 
that a suitable piece of land should be bought and a 
town hall or public building erected for the purpose of 
holding public meetings, courts and annual elections, 
also that there should be adjoining thereto a jail or 
lockup of sufficient size "to hold all persons who should be 
confined therein, for offences committed in Philipstown." 
The land was to be taken in the name of the town. The 
cost of the building was not to exceed $13,500. The land 
on which the town hall stands was sold to the town by 

234 



P utna m County 

Frederick Philipse and S. W. Gouverneur, June 1, 1866. 

Gouverneur Kemble, one of the early prominent 
residents of Cold Spring, was graduated from Columbia 
College in 1803. Early in life he was appointed United 
States Consul at Cadiz, and during his residence there 
was attracted to the process of casting cannon as prac- 
tised by the Spanish government, at that time well 
advanced in this art as compared with other European 
countries. He acquainted himself with all its details, 
and on his return home, he established with several others, 
in 1814 a gun foundry, nearly opposite West Point, 
under patronage of the United States Government. 
This was the West Point Foundry which was incorpor- 
ated by an Act of the Legislature, April 15, 1818, for the 
making and manufacturing of iron and brass, cannon, 
cannon balls, and other ordnance. The officers were 
Gouverneur Kemble, James Renwick, Henry Brevoort, 
Jr., Joseph G. Swift, John R. Renwick, William Kemble, 
Henry Cary, Charles G. Smedburg, Nicholas Gouverneur, 
Robert I. Fenwick and William Young. 

Throughout the civil war the West Point Foundry 
was a scene of the most active labor, employing from 800 
to 1,000 men, and turning out an immense amount of war 
material. More than 3,000 cannon of various sizes were 
made and 1,600,000 projectiles. 

In 1899 the Foundry was leased by J. B. and J. M. 
Cornell. 

The West Point Iron Company was incorporated in 
1866, with the following officers; Charles C. Alger, 
George H. Potts and Frederick A. Potts. Its object was 
to mine iron and other mineral substances, smelting, 
manufacturing iron, etc. 

A tract of 1,000 acres, on the north side of the Philips- 

235 



Historical Record 

town Turnpike, was owned in the early part of the last 
century by Col. Alexander Stewart, and was sold to 
James Augustus Hamilton. He sold it to George H. 
Potts, June 1, 1864, and it was conveyed by him to the 
West Point Iron Company in 1866. 

The West Point Furnace Company was incorporated 
in 1880, for the same purpose as the above. Its officers 
were: Joseph C. Kent, of Philipsburg, N. J., J. W. 
Pullman, Richard George and others. Neither of the 
above companies are now in existence. 

The Cold Spring Recorder was founded in 1866, by 
Charles Blanchard. In November of the following year 
it was sold to a company composed of prominent cit- 
izens of the village, and was put in charge of Sylvester B. 
Allis. It is now owned by Otis Montrose. 

In 1862 the village of Cold Spring was devastated by 
fire, when several stores and buildings on the south side 
of the main street were burned, causing a great loss of 
property. Another fire occurred July 7, 1875, which 
caused a loss of $47,000. 

OLD HOMESTEAD CLUB. Prior to 1889 it was a 
custom for the business and professional men of Cold- 
Spring to meet in what was known as "Spalding's Back 
Room," in the rear of his pharmacy, and discuss the 
leading topics of the day. March 27th of that year a 
meeting was called at the store of Mr. Alexander Spalding 
for the purpose of establishing a regularly organized club 
and the house of Joseph Dahlweiner was rented for that 
purpose. Twenty-five members were elected with the 
following officers: Alexander Spalding, President; F. M. 
Camp, Vice-President; John Smythe, Secretary and 
Treasurer. The Club derived its name from Denman 
Thompson's famous play. July 18, 1889, the Old 

236 



Putnam C o unity 

Homestead Camp was established, on the shores of Lake 
Oscawana, as an adjunct to the club. The new club 
house was completed September 3, 1908, at a cost of 
$2,885. 

The first religious meetings in this neighborhood were 
held in the house of Thomas Sutton. In 1825 a sub- 
scription was circulated for the purpose of raising funds 
to build a church for the use of the Protestant religious 
societies. The building was completed in 1826, and for 
some time the services were confined to prayer meetings. 
The Presbyterian church was organized in 1828, and laid 
claim to the church thus erected, and considerable dispute 
arose as to the rival claims of ownership. 

In 1797, the Rev. Ebenezer Cole organized the First 
Baptist Church, and was its pastor for many years. 
This church was discontinued for some unknown reason, 
and March 15, 1815, Elder Ebenezer Cole, assisted by 
Elder Simeon Barrett, organized the Second Baptist 
Church of Philipstown. This church was ministered to 
for several years by Elders Knapp, Cole and Marcus 
Griffin, the latter being one of its own licentiates. In 
1827, this church, for property considerations, was 
united with the Peekskill Baptist Church. A branch 
was organized in 1829, which was supplied for three years 
or more by Elders John Warren and Knapp. Up to this 
time the meetings were held in private dwellings, school- 
houses, and in the old Presbyterian church which had 
been built by subscriptions from people of different 
denominations. Through the liberality of Mr. Daven- 
port, a house of worship was built upon a lot given by 
the Philipse estate, and was dedicated in 1831. 

ST. MARY'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, the finest ar- 
chitectural feature of Cold Spring, stands in a large open 

237 



Historical Record 

space of over three acres fronting chiefly on Main and 
Chestnut streets. The present edifice was built in 1868. 
Previously the congregation worshipped in a brick struc- 
ture which stood on Main street, in the center of what is 
now the chief business section of the village. The old 
brick church, which was taken down many years ago, 
was completed and used for the first time, November 
7, 1841. The parish was incorporated in 1840. The 
Rev. Ebenezer Williams was rector of St. Philip's in the 
Highlands, and united to his cure at that time the rector- 
ship of St. Mary's. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. The first 
attempt to establish this society was made in 1832, when 
funds were raised by subscription for the erection of a 
place of worship. The church lot was purchased of 
Samuel Gouverneur and wife, March 6, 1832, and the 
'Third Methodist Episcopal Church of Philipstown" 
erected thereon the following year. This building stood 
near the northeast corner of Church and Main streets. 
The present edifice was dedicated June 16, 1870. 

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF LORETTO. As 
early as 1830 mass was celebrated at Cold Spring in a 
building on Market St. called the Union Church, wherein 
services of other denominations were occasionally held. 
By 1833 sufficient funds had been collected for the 
erection of a Catholic Church edifice. Governeur 
Kemble gave the ground on the river bank, and the 
building was completed and dedicated Sept. 21, 1834, 
by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Dubois. 

The activities at the West Point Foundry during the 
Civil War period brought many families to Cold Spring, 
and it was necessary to add two wings to the church 
building to accommodate the influx of parishioners. 

238 




W. J. TRAVER 



Putnam County 

Rev. Philip O'Reilly was in charge of this church 
until 1844, when he was succeeded by Rev. Felix Wil- 
liams. The succession of pastors were: Reverends: John 
E. Commerford, 1852; Thomas Joyce, 1855; Father 
Caro, 1861; C. F. O'Callaghan, 1873; T. J. Early, 1875: 
W. A. O'Neil, 1878; James Fitzsimmons, 1888; Daniel 
J. McCormack, afterwards rector and builder of St. 
Veronica's Church, New York City; Patrick L. Connick 
who was in charge from 1892 to Feb., 1905; and was 
succeeded by the present rector, Rev. Patrick H. Drain. 
During Father Connick's pastorate he raised over 
$25,000 towards the erection of a new church building. 
This was built by Father Drain on a plot of ground in 
Fair St., which Father O'Neil had purchased years ago. 
The corner stone was laid August 12, 1906, bytheRt. 
Rev. Monsignor Joseph F. Mooney, V. G. Through 
the diligent efforts of Father Drain, the church is free 
from debt, and a substantial sum of money is in the 
treasury for the erection of a new rectory and parochial 
school. 

Rev. Patrick H. Drain was born in Belfast, Ireland, 
in 1865, and was brought to America when four years 
of age. He was educated at St. Joseph's Seminary, 
Troy, N. Y., and his first charge was St. Bridget's 
Church, New York, as assistant under Monsignor P. F. 
McSweeney. He was also rector of St. Ambrose Church 
and St. Theresa Church, New York, previous to his ap- 
pointment at Cold Spring. 

THE FIRST REFORMED CHURCH was organized 
July 15, 1855, by the Classis of Poughkeepsie. Its first 
pastor was the Rev. J. Ferguson Harris, and the elders 
were Isaac Riggs, Nicholas Hustis and Darius Bates. 

239 



Historical Record 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH of Cold Spring, 
known as the First Presbyterian Church of Philipstown, 
was organized December 10, 1828, by a committee of the 
Presbytery of North River, consisting of Rev. Messrs. 
Blain, Johnson, Ostrom and Welton. 

The new church consisted of the following persons: 
Nicholas Hustis, Peter de St. Croix, Phebe Travis, 
Lucy Candee, Eunice Andrews, Catherine Rote, and 
Deborah Chapman. The original Session consisted of 
Rev. William Blair, the first pastor, and P. de St. Croix, 
clerk. The Session was increased in 1832 by the or- 
dination of William Young, John P. Andrews and Oscar 
A. Barker to the ruling eldership. 



240 



CHAPTER XI 
THE TOWN OF PUTNAM VALLEY 

THIS town embraces within its limits that part of 
Lot 4 of Philipse patent which lies south of the 
Philipstown Turnpike, and a small tract taken 
from Carmel in 1861 which lies west of Peekskill Hollow 
creek. It was established from Philipstown in 1839 
under the name of "Quincy." This name is said to have 
been objectionable by strong supporters of the Democrat 
party, who proposed a change, and February 13, 1840, 
the Legislature passes the following: 

"An act to change the town of Quincy in the County 
of Putnam. 

I. All that part of the County of Putnam, now 
known as the town of Quincy, shall hereafter be called 
and known by the name of Putnam Valley. 

II. Nothing contained in this Act shall in any way 
affect the rights of any inhabitant, or any officer of said 
town, or of the town itself. 

III. This Act shall take effect immediately." 
The surface of the town is rugged and mountainous. 
Extending the entire length of the town, from northeast 
to southwest, are the valleys of Peekskill and Canopus 
Hollows. These valleys are bounded on either side by 
rugged hills, separated by a wide extent of hilly, rocky 
and broken ground. The width of the town is five 
miles, not including the part taken from Carmel, and its 
length is about nine miles. Its boundaries were thus 

241 



Historical Record 

established March 14, 1839: "Beginning at the South- 
east corner of Beverly Robinson's water lot, and in the 
dividing line between the counties of Westchester and 
Putnam, thence along the water lot line north eight 
degrees and thirty minutes east seven and a half miles to 
the center of the Cold Spring turnpike road; thence along 
the middle line of said road to the division line between 
the towns of Kent and Carmel to the division line be- 
tween the counties of Westchester and Putnam, aforesaid, 
nine miles; then running in said line south eighty-nine 
degrees west to the place of beginning, shall be a separate 
town and called and known by the name of Quincy; and 
the first town meeting shall be held at the house of 
Matthias Croft in the said town of Quincy on the first 
Tuesday of April next, and annually thereafter, at such 
place as a majority of the electors of said town shall 
determine, pursuant to the Revised Statutes." 

The earliest information we have of any settlement 
in this town is in the record of highways, April 20, 1747: 
"A highway laid out Beginning at Abraham Smith's and 
by marked trees to the highway that leads from Kirk- 
ham's mills to ye peakskills, four rods wide." Abraham 
Smith is said to have come to this part of the county 
about 1720. He settled on a tract of land one mile 
square, on the east side of what was afterward the 
Beverly Robinson lot. Here he lived and died and his 
^children after him, as tenants of Beverly Robinson, and 
after the Revolution, when the estate of Colonel Robin- 
son was confiscated and sold, they became the owners, | 
by deed from the commissioners of forfeiture. The east 
boundary of the farm is the original line between Lots 
4 and 5 of the Philipse Patent, and from this it can be 
traced in either direction. Thomas Bryant, another 

242 



Putnam County 

early arrival, settled near Mr. Smith, and gave his name 
to Bryant Hill and Bryant Pond, which they have ever 
since retained. The Bargers have left numerous de- 
scendants in the town. The original settler of the name 
was probably Peter Baragar, who bought 213 acres of 
land from the commissioners of forfeiture in 1780. On 
the small stream which is the outlet of Barger Pond, and 
near the Westchester line, not far from the southeast 
corner of the town, was a mill, owned in the eighteenth 
century by one Wardell. It was sold many years ago 
to Abijah Lee, who tore the mill down and built a new 
one a short distance further north. He afterward sold 
the place to James Fowler and for many years it was 
extensively known as "Fowler's Mills." Abijah Lee, 
the former owner, went to Lake Oscawana and built a 
large boarding house 

Previous to the Revolution several families settled 
in Peekskill Hollow. This valley begins at the head- 
waters of the Peekskill, which rises in a spring at 
Boyd's Corners, (now known as Kent Cliffs) in the town 
of Kent, and only a narrow ridge of land separates its 
fountain head from the Croton River. Flowing south- 
west, it empties into the Hudson River above Peekskill, 
and at its mouth is known as the Annsville Creek. It 
derives its name from Jan Peek, an early Dutch naviga- 
tor, who sailed into the creek supposing it to be a con- 
tinuation of the river, and gave it his name. 

At the lower end of the valley near Adam's Corners a 
family named Dusenbury settled. William Dusenbury, 
the ancestor of the family, came from Westchester coun- 
ty. He had here a farm of 300 acres, which embraced 
the land around Adam's Corners and extended up the 
valley to the north line of the Daniel D. Tompkins' 

243 



Historical Record 

farm. The farm was sold to William Dusenbury by the 
commissioners of forfeiture after the Revolution. The 
homestead stood on the east side of the road. On the 
west side, opposite the house, is a slight elevation of land 
and here is said to have been an Indian burying-ground 
at the time William Dusenbury came to the valley. 
Moses Dusenbury, brother of William, settled south of 
Adam's Corners, where he lived during the Revolution. 

North of the William Dusenbury farm was a tract of 
about 90 acres, which was held by Nathaniel Jagger. 
Next north of this was a tract owned by the Tompkins 
family, who appear to have been here some years pre- 
vious to the Revolution. Nathaniel, Joshua, Cornelius 
and Reuben Tompkins were here in 1777. The Buckbee 
family lived in the valley in later years. Edward 
Buckbee was sheriff in 1819-'22. His son Monmouth 
Buckbee was supervisor of the town for several years. 
His homestead was on the west side of the Peekskill 
Hollow road. Cornelius Tompkins lived and kept a 
store at the place where the main road crosses the Peeks- 
kill. Still farther north, up the Wicopee road, lived 
Reuben Tompkins. Joshua Tompkins purchased from 
the commissioners of forfeiture a tract of 300 acres 
bounded east "by the line between Philipstown and 
Fredericksburg," that is, between Lots 4 and 5 on the 
Philipse patent. This was probably near the Methodist 
church, and representatives of the family are still here. 
The junction of the Peekskill Hollow and Wicopee roads 
is generally known as Tompkins' Corners. 

Isaac Post was the owner of a large tract south of 
Tompkins' Corners. On the Peekskill, near his house, 
he erected a grist and saw mill. On the east side of 
the creek, a short distance above the road that runs over 

244 




FRANK B. VAN DYNE 



Putnam County 

Bryant Hill, is the old Travis homestead, which was the 
home of Titus Travis who came here before the Revolu- 
tion, and was the ancestor of several families of that 
name. Titus Travis died in 1815, aged 76 years. On 
the west side of the Peekskill Hollow road, a little way 
north of the road running west by the school house, are 
the remains of an old house, whose curious stone chim- 
ney dates back to Revolutionary days. This was the 
dwelling of George Travis, one of the sons of the original 
settler. At the corner of the main road and the one 
going over Bryant Hill is the old Travis burying-ground. 

At the extreme southeast corner of the town, and 
bounded east by the Roger Morris Lot line and south 
by the bounds of Westchester, was the farm of Isaac 
Penoyer, a descendant of a Huguenot family. North 
of this was the farm of Col. John Hyatt, whose sons 
John and Nathaniel lived on the same farm. Next north 
of the Hyatt farm was a tract owned in former times by 
a family named Lane. North of the Lane farm was a 
tract of 400 acres owned by Isaac Rhodes, who is said to 
have been a Baptist preacher in early times. 

Oscawana Lake, formerly called Horton's Pond, in the 
central portion of Putnam Valley, is a beautiful sheet of 
water covering 601 acres and with an average depth of 30 
feet. The Dunderberg Club was organized in May, 1882, 
the members being Stephen D. Horton, Henry W. Lane, 
Franklin Couch, Benjamin McCabe, Warren Jordan, 
Stephen Lent, Henry L. Armstrong and others. Its 
object was the purchasing, maintaining and improving 
real estate at Lake Oscawana. The club purchased the 
island known as Wheat Island and made use of it as a 
pleasure resort. 

In the western part of the town, on the farm of Mr. 

245 



Historical Record 

Leonard Jaycox, are the remains of an encampment of 
troops in Revolutionary times. Two companies from 
Hempstead, L. I., with a detachment of troops of the 
Massachusetts line, were encamped here in the winters 
of 1779-'80, and their quarters were known as the 
"Hempstead Huts." Relics of stone chimneys and fire 
places may yet be seen. 

In 1756 Col. Beverly Robinson granted permission 
to Jacobus Ter Boss and John Burnett "to dig and search 
for mines and ore for twenty-one years." The terms of 
this grant were that they should pay "for the first year 
two fowls; 2 for the next ten they were to give "one 
quarter of the ore," and for the next ten years "one third 
of the ore, the same to be delivered at the river." From 
that time to the present the iron mines of this town have 
been worked to a greater or less extent. In Peekskill 
Hollow, a mile or two above Tompkins' Corners, is a 
bed of limonite or hematite iron, and many years ago 
the mine was opened and considerable ore taken out by 
Nathaniel Bradley, of Connecticut, who purchased a 
large amount of mineral property in the Highlands. The 
work was soon abandoned as the ore contained too much 
silica to work well in the furnace. A vein of magnetic 
ore runs through the northern part of the town, which 
was known as the Philipse vein. This vein has been 
traced for a distance of eight miles, and is believed to be 
continuous. Many mines have been opened on this 
vein. The Cold Spring Turnpike crosses it, near the 
crest of the mountain, about the middle of the north line 
of this town. A tract of 1,000 acres in this vicinity was 
owned by Col. Alexander Stewart about the year 1800. 
A mine was opened there and a large quantity of excel- 
lent ore taken out. The land afterward passed into the 

246 



Putnam County 

possession of James Augustus Hamilton. A large tract 
in this neighborhood is low, and presents the appearance 
of having sunk down, and the mine here is known as the 
Sunk Mine. Here a forge was erected and dams built on 
the stream, and quite a business carried on. The tract 
was afterward sold to Paul Forbes, who built the narrow 
gauge railroad from the Sunk Mine to a point on the 
Philipstown Turnpike. On the south side of the turn- 
pike are to be seen the openings of mines started many 
years ago. 

In 1828 Silas Slawson sold to the West Point Foundry 
Association a tract of land 84 chains long and 26 chains 
wide, "being the same tract sold by Daniel Graham, 
Surveyor General, to John Armstrong May 5, 1786." 
Mines were opened on this tract and much ore taken out. 
A mile or two southwest of this is the Denny Mine. A 
tract of 207 acres was sold to Richard Denny after the 
Revolution by the commissioners of forfeiture, which he 
conveyed to his son, Thomas Denny in July 1817, who 
sold it to Peter Denny in 1844. Peter Denny transferred 
it to his son, William J. Denny in 1851, and his children 
sold it to George H. Potts in 1874. The Philadelphia 
and Reading Coal and Iron Company now own it. 

The Methodist Society with churches at Croft's Cor- 
ners, Oregon and Tompkins' Corners, under one charge, 
is the only religious organization in the town. The soci- 
ety was organized March 12, 1834, as the "Fourth Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church of Philipstown." 



247 



CHAPTER XII. 
THE TOWN OF SOUTHEAST. 

THE town of Southeast consists of Lot No. 9 of 
Philipse Patent, and the south half of Lot 8; also 
that portion of the Oblong which extends from the 
Westchester line to the northern part of the Oblong 
Lot No. 12. It is bounded on the south by the County 
of Westchester, on the west by the town of Carmel, on 
the east by the State of Connecticut, and on the north 
by the town of Patterson. 

Settlement of this town began about 1730, when 
families from Long Island, or from the northern part of 
Westchester came to this region. Samuel Field, who 
was the owner of Lot 5 on the Oblong at the time of the 
division in 1732, is said to have been the first settler. 
His daughter, Jane Field, born in 1733, is supposed to 
have been the first white child born on the Oblong. 
The Townsends probably came about the same time, as 
David Townsend was the original owner of Oblong Lot 
6, and in 1745 Elihu Townsend was living here, and in 
1801 he gave to his five grandsons, Abijah, Elihu, Sam- 
uel, Abraham and Stephen, the sons of his son Uriah, 
certain lands in Lot No. 6 bounded east by the Connect- 
icut line. 

James Dickinson, from whose place several roads 
radiated, probably lived on the south side of Croton 
river, at Southeast Center, and on the farm afterward 
owned by Hezekiah Sanford and now owned by F. W. 

248 



Putnam County 

Storm. His house stood at the intersection of three 
roads, leading respectively, to Brewster, Milltown and 
to Westchester County, the latter being called the 
"Peach Pond road." 

Crane's Mills on the Croton river about half a mile 
east of the Oblong line were built about 1747 by Joseph 
Crane, the father of Col. Jonathan Crane, one of the 
foremost men of the county during the Revolution. 
These mills, frequently mentioned as a landmark in early 
records, were afterward owned by Samuel Hall. In 
1836 they were sold by Jacob O. Howes to Egbert and 
William Bouten. The site of the mills and adjacent 
farms are now covered by a reservoir, part of the Croton 
water supply of New York. 

Edward Gray was the lessee of a farm at what is now 
called Doansburg. Elijah Tompkins had a farm to- 
ward the north part of Doansburg, next to the Oblong 
line, and James Paddock held a farm, which continued 
in the possession of the family for many years, near the 
line between Southeast and Patterson. John Dickinson 
had a mill at Southeast Center. Edward Hall had a 
mill on the Oblong, probably at Milltown, while the 
names of Curhellus Fuller, Joseph Lee, Captain Ball, 
William Bloomer, Captain Wright, Samuel Jones, Na- 
thaniel Stevenson, Joshua Barnes and Anthony Patter- 
son occur as other settlers here as early as 1755. David 
Paddock was the holder as tenant of a tract of 304 acres 
next to the Oblong, and this was sold to him by the 
commissioners of forfeiture July 4, 1782. 

To the south of the Paddock farm, and bounded east 
by the Oblong, was the farm of Col. Jonathan Crane, 
a prominent officer in the days of the Revolution, and 
this farm of 118 acres was sold to him by the commis- 

249 



it 



Historical Record 

sioners of forfeiture in 1782, though the family as tenants 
of Roger Morris had held it for a time. He left it to his 
son Anson Crane, and his heirs sold it to William Storm, 
December 1, 1866. The whole farm, or the greater part 
of it, came into the possession of John P. Kennedy, of 
New York, in 1879. He sold it in 1884 to George N. 
Messiter, who transferred it to Charles C. Fitzhugh. 
Henry I. Cobb of New York is the present owner. This 
farm, known as "Fairview Manor," is one of the his- 
toric places of eastern Putnam. 

In the vicinity of the Tilly Foster Mine was probably 
one of the earliest settlements in that portion of the 
town. In the survey and division of the Philipse Patent 
in 1754, the west corner of Lots 8 and 9 was said to be 
a walnut tree marked P. R. 1753, standing on the 
south side of a hill near an old meeting house." This 
refers to the meeting house which stood near the north- 
west corner of the Jacob Ellis farm, on the west side 
of the road, directly opposite the old burying ground, and 
not to the old log church in which Elisha Kent first 
preached, and which stood on the farm of James Barnes, 
near Dykeman's Station. 

At the north end of the Ellis farm is the division between 
Lots 8 and 9. Here, on the northeast corner of the road, 
stood an old house of Revolutionarv days, the home of 
Samuel Pardee who was a soldier during the Revolution, 
and a blacksmith afterward, his shop standing on the 
west side of the road opposite the house. 

To the east of the old Pardee house and just west of the 
reservoir stood another old house, which was once the 
residence of Major Fowler, and probably of his father, 
Caleb Fowler, before him. The Fowler family were 
tenants of large farms in this vicinity. North of the 

250 






Putnam County 

Elijah Fowler farm was the homestead and farm of 
Theodore Kelly, formerly supervisor of the town. This 
farm was leased from Mrs. Margaret Ogilvie in 1754 
by Daniel Townsend. A part of it was afterward held 
by John Burcham, and on the Croton river close by are 
the remains of a mill which stood here during the Revolu- 
tion and was a mill seat many years before. "Burcham's 
mill" is laid down on Erskine's Military Map as a well 
known landmark in 1780. An encampment of American 
troops was near this place in the Revolution. 

MILLTOWN is the name of a locality on the Croton 
river near the middle of the Oblong. It is probable 
that at this place was Morehouse's mill, which is men- 
tioned in the laying out of highways in 1745. Ryder's 
mills were also built in this vicinity previous to the 
Revolution. At the corner where the four roads cross 
were the homes of several prominent citizens of the 
town in former days. In 1773 Charles Cullen, who 
married Lucy, daughter of Rev. Elisha Kent, had a house 
and store on the northwest corner of the road on the 
place where Ichabod Doolittle's tavern afterward stood. 
Doolittle's tavern became a great resort for travellers 
on the road to Danbury. On the northeast corner was 
the house of Ithamar Weed, and directly opposite and 
east of the schoolhouse was the home of his son, Hart 
Weed, who was supervisor of the town for a number of 
years. 

Among the early settlers here were the Halls. Peter 
Hall, the original settler, came to this place in 1749, and 
settled on that tract of the Oblong bordering on the 
Colony line which in the original division of 1730 fell to 
William Smith and James Brown. Elihu Gage, another 
early settler, came from Cape Cod and took a farm on 

251 



Historical Record 

the Oblong. He died in 1802, aged 78 years. William 
Penney came from Harwich, Mass., in 1747, and settled 
about a mile north of Milltown, on a farm which after- 
ward belonged to Jonathan Couch. 

The most numerous family in former times were the 
Crosbys. These families are descended from three 
brothers, Thomas, who came in 1756, and settled on a 
farm south of the village of Carmel; Daniel, who settled 
on the Oblong in 1756, and Joshua, who seems to have 
settled on the north part of Lot 10 on the Oblong. 
Thomas Crosby was the father of Enoch, who is generally 
believed to have been an American spy during the 
Revolution. 

North of Southeast Center, and adjoining the north 
part of Lot 9, was in former times the farm of John 
Waring, and the old homestead still remains in the hands 
of his descendants. John Waring came to this place 
from Norwich, Conn., before the Revolution, and was 
tenant of a large farm which ran west of what was then 
called Waring's Pond, and now known as Lake Tonetta. 

The region in the neighborhood of the First Presby- 
terian Church, or Union Society, has long borne the name 
of Doansburg, from the family who have been residents 
here from the earliest settlement. It was here that the 
second church was built previous to the year 1761. A 
tract of land directly east of the Presbyterian church was 
purchased by Elisha Kent. This was the south portion 
of the farm of Augustus S. Doane, now owned by Edwin 
W. Dixon, the boundary line between this farm and the 
land of Frederick S. Barnum being the line between the 
Oblong Lots 10 and 11. The ruins of an old house are 
visible a few rods east of the Oblong line and nearly east 
from the church, and here is the place where Mr. Kent 

252 



Putnam County 

passed his days. The location of the farm and home of 
the minister readily accounts for the removal of the 
church from the old site near Dykeman's Station to a 
place more convenient for the pastor and probably for 
the people. 

On the first of August, 1766, Philip Philipse gave to 
Moss Kent, son of Elisha Kent, a perpetual lease for 
"All that Messuage and Tract of land situate in Philipse 
Patent, Lot 8, beginning at a walnut sapling at the 
northeast corner of Ezekiel and Jeremiah Burges' Farm, 
and from thence runs South 12 degrees and thirty min- 
utes east 25 chains then South 2 degrees 30 minutes east 
28 chains and 20 links to Zebulon Bass' farm, then south 
80 degrees east 16 chains and 50 links to the Oblong: 
then north 11 degrees east 58 chains 70 links by the 
Oblong to Paddock's farm, then South 80 degrees west 
36 chains to the place of beginning. Containing 118 
acres including the dwelling house, store house and 
garden spot of the said Moss Kent around the buildings 
now within the said Kent's enclosures reserving all mines, 
minerals and ores of metal." The annual rent was to be 
the sum of "eight pounds current money yearly forever." 

The house in which Moss Kent lived, and which was the 
birthplace in 1763 of the renowned lawyer, Chancellor 
James Kent, 1 was purchased by the Presbyterian Church 
of Doansburg in 1819. It was torn down and a new 

1 It is asserted by some of the descendants of Chancellor James 
Kent, that he was born on what is known as the Samuel Terry farm, 
situated in the southeast corner of the town of Kent, now the 
property of Justice Martin J. Keogh, but a map in possession of the 
New York Historical Society, sketched by the Chancellor in 1846, 
establishes the location of his birthplace as above stated. A bio- 
graphical sketch of Chancellor Kent appears in Part II of this 
book. 

253 



Historical Record 

house for a parsonage was erected on the same site about 
1823. Shortly before the destruction of the old house 
Chancellor Kent came to Doansburg to visit once more 
his native place. 

The neighborhood of Dykeman's takes its name from 
the Dykeman family, who were early settlers and de- 
scended from Capt. Joseph Dykeman, who came from 
Germany. He served in the Revolution, and died in 
1822. His sons Peter, Ezra, Joseph and Hezekiah had 
farms about Dykeman's Station, amounting in all to 
357 acres. In 1867 Junia W. Dykeman gave a lot at 
this place to the Baptist Society, on which the church was 
erected in 1868. 

BREWSTER. This thriving village takes its name 
from the Brewster family, of whom Samuel came from 
Rockland County in 1820, and settled on what is known 
as Brewster Hill. His son Walter F. is regarded as the 
founder of the village. The land embraced within its 
limits consists of a farm which was sold by the commis- 
sioners of forfeiture to Peleg Bailey in 1781. A portion 
of it afterwards passed into the possession of Bailey 
Howes, his grandson, who sold 98 acres to Gilbert Bailey, 
April 1, 1833. Two other tracts containing 39 acres 
were sold to Gilbert Bailey, by William P. Downs and 
Frederick Parks in 1838. February 17, 1848, Gilbert 
Bailey sold the whole tract, estimated at 134 acres, to 
James and Walter F. Brewster, for the sum of $8,000. 
As early as 1845 the Brewsters contemplated buying this 
tract on account of an iron mine which was located there, 
and also for the water power of the stream which bounds 
it on the west. At the time of the purchase the Harlem 
Railroad was finished to this point and trains were run- 
ning as far as Croton Falls. The road was surveyed as 

254 




PROF. JOHN GAYLORD MURPHY 



Putnam County 

far as Pawling, and the prospect of its being continued to 
that point seemed certain, and to the new purchasers 
of the farm it seemed just the place for a station. The 
only highway then was the main road from Carmel to 
Southeast Center, and on this road was the house of 
Gilbert Bailey. From this house a road ran to the lower 
bridge on the Croton, but it was not much used. The 
next nearest house stood on the road to Carmel, in the 
rear of the new Presbyterian church and was owned by 
Harry Bailey. The next was also Harry Bailey's and 
stood where the brick house now stands at the west end 
of the bridge over the Harlem Railroad. Another house 
stood on the road to the lower bridge over the Croton, 
at the foot of the hill. This belonged to Philip Mead, 
and these were the only houses in the vicinity at that 
time. 

The iron mine on this farm was first opened by Freder- 
ick Parks, and as soon as the Brewsters took possession 
they reopened the mine in the rear of where the Brewster 
House now stands, and took out 300 tons of ore during the 
next two years. Three years later they sold all their 
mineral rights to the Harvey Steel and Iron Company, 
who worked the mine extensively, and also one on the hill 
near the depot, but ceased operations at the end of four 
years. 

The Harlem Railroad was finished to Brewster in 1849, 
and the depot built in that year. What is now Main 
street was opened for the purpose of allowing the stages 
from Danbury to come to the station. Previous to this 
the firm of Crosby & De Forest had run a line of four 
horse stages to Croton Falls from Danbury. 

The first new house was built by Walter F. Brewster 
in 1850, and stood in front of the present Methodist 

255 



Historical Record 

church. The next building was a screw factory, which 
stood a few rods south of the depot on the present site 
of the First National Bank. In 1860 the Brewster 
house was built. The first store was built by Edward 
Howes and stood nearly opposite the Brewster House. 
In 1859 a wool hat factory was started by William C. 
Waring and he was succeeded in the business by Charles 
W. Budd, who died in 1871. The building was burned, 
and in 1874 a new firm consisting of Smith G. Hunt, 
Col. Stephen Baker and James A. Peck began business 
in the grist mill purchased from A. B. Marvin. Follow- 
ing the condemnation proceedings of 1893, this factory 
site with others on Tonetta brook came into the possession 
of the city of New York. 

In 1869 a Town Hall was built at a cost of $25,000, 
and in 1870 the supervisors were authorized to construct 
a suitable lockup in the hall, and to borrow the sum 
of $5,000 for that purpose. The building has been 
destroyed by fire three times. On the night of February 
23, 1880, a disastrous fire started in the clothing store of 
Edward Stone, and the Town Hall, with the early records, 
was burned, and also the office of the Standard news- 
paper. The Town Hall was soon rebuilt only to be again 
destroyed in 1882 by a fire which started in the feed mills 
of Warren S. Paddock & Co. After its destruction by 
the fire of 1893, which consumed several other buildings 
on the west side of Main Street, it was rebuilt on its 
present site, the former location being part of the con- 
demned property in the Croton watershed. 

The Croton River Bank was organized March 15, 
1856, with Thomas Drew, Silas Mead, Charles W. Hine, 
Hiram Starr, William F. Fowler, Isaac Kelley and James 
E. Kelley as stockholders. This institution continued as 

^56 



Putnam C ou nty 

a State bank until 1864, when it became a national bank 
with a capital of $200,000. By a vote of its stockholders 
it was closed about 1876. Its officers were James E. 
Kelley, president, and F. E. Foster, cashier. 

The First National Bank of Brewster was organized 
February 15, 1875, succeeding to the banking business 
formerly conducted by John G. Borden and Frank Wells 
under the firm name of Borden, Wells & Co. The 
incorporators were John G. Borden, Frank Wells, George 
B. Mead, Jr., John S. Eno, Samuel W. Church and B. F. 
Graves. Charles Denton and Ahaz S. Mygatt were 
added to the board in 1876 and Mr. A. F. Lobdell in 1878. 
Frank Wells is the president of this institution and E. D. 
iStannard, cashier. The present banking house was 
J erected in the winter of 1885-86. 

The Putnam County Savings Bank at Brewster was 
I incorporated June 24, 1871, the charter being obtained 
by Morgan Horton, who in that year represented Putnam 
•I County in the State Assembly. The following officers 
were chosen by the trustees: Morgan Horton, president, 
| William F. Fowler, 1st vice-president, Rev. Lawrence 
i McKenna, 2d vice-president, F. A. Hoyt secretary and 
: treasurer. The banking business was conducted in the 
I store of A. F. Lobdell from 1871 until the completion of 
the handsome banking house in 1911. The cost of the 
building including the lot was $20,000. In the state- 
ment of July 1, 1911, this institution shows resources 
of $959,012.58, with liabilities of $906,100.00 due 2,365 
depositors, and surplus investment values of $52,912.58. 
The present officers are: W. S. Paddock, president, A^ 
P. Budd, vice-president, G. H. Reynolds, secretary and 
treasurer; F. S. Barnum, counsel. 

The Borden Condensed Milk Company, situated on the 

257 



Historical Record 

Croton River at the east end of the village of Brewster, 
was formerly owned by Zenas and Demas Doane, and 
afterwards by Zenas D. Storm, who had a saw mill and a 
grist mill on the stream. This mill site, with three acres 
of land "bounded south by the old Croton River Turn- 
Pike," was sold by him to Jeremiah Millbank October 12, 
1863', and he sold it to the "Borden Condensed Milk 
Company," December 13, 1865. Another tract was 
bought of Zenas D. Storm, which ran "to the old road 
leading to the Croton Turnpike and near the site of the 
old Methodist Church." The Borden Condensed Milk 
Company was incorporated January 28, 1864. The 
partners were Gail Borden, Jeremiah Millbank and 
Elnathan W. Fyler, and the capital $30,000. The com- 
pany erected extensive works and a large business has been 
carried on to the present time. About 30,000 quarts of 
milk are condensed daily, while the output per day of one 
pound tin cans, manufactured on the premises, is from 
forty to fifty thousand. The plant was built with a ca- 
pacity to utilize 100,000 pounds of liquid milk daily,but the 
number of dairy farms in this section has been greatly re- 
duced by the condemnation of property for the benefit of 
the Croton watershed, and many large farms have also 
been sold to persons desiring merely a pleasant country 
estate. On the death of Gail Borden the management and 
development of his large interests in this county and else- 
where devolved upon his son, John Gail Borden, who suc- 
ceeded to the presidency of the company. It was under 
the supervision of Mr. John G. Borden that the present 
factory at Brewster was erected in 1879. 

Union Free School. December 20, 1890, the thirteenth 
school district of the town of Southeast was converted 
into the Union Free School of Brewster, but it was not 

258 



Putnam County 

until September, 1895, that the present school building 
was completed. The total cost of the building and 
lot was $25,000. Nine teachers are employed, and the 
senior course is equivalent to that of a High School. 
The average attendance is 300 pupils. The Board of 
Education for 1911 is composed of James K. Smith 
(president), E. W. Addis, Frank Wells, Philip Deihl, 
W. A. Ferris and Richard Michell, clerk. 

The Brewster Standard, of which Emerson W. Addis 
is the editor and proprietor, is the only newspaper 
in the town, and has a wide-spread influence as the 
organ of the republican party. It was established in 
1869, as the Brewster Gazette, by H. A. Fox, and 
was succeeded by the Brewster Standard in November, 
1871, the editors being H. A. Fox and O. H. Miller. 
It was changed in April, 1874, to Putnam County 
Standard, and was then conducted by Frank Wells 
and Emerson W. Addis. The title was again changed 
to Brewster Standard, and in 1877 Mr. Wells sold 
his interest to John G. Borden. April 1, 1880, Mr. 
Addis purchased the interest of Mr. Borden, and has 
since continued the publication of the paper alone. 
The office is located in the Post Office building, 
the most westerly building on Main Street abutting 
New York City property. 

The village of Brewster was incorporated in 1894, and 
covers an area of only 282 acres. Its population in 1911 
is about 1300. It is the terminus of the Putnam division 
of the N. Y. C. Railroad, and operations are now under 
way to make this village the terminal of the electric zone 
of the Harlem Railroad. A large round house has 
recently been completed here, and the repair shops are 
now being removed from White Plains to Brewster. 

259 



Historical Record 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. The original 
edifice of this society stood a mile east from Dykeman's 
Station, on the farm of James Barnes. It was built of 
logs, and was erected several years previous to 1745, as 
in the laying out of highways in that year it is mentioned 
as a well known landmark. It was to this church that 
Rev. Elisha Kent came as pastor in 1743, and from the 
name of its first minister the district soon gained the 
name of "Kent's Parish." His home and" farm were 
situated near Doansburg, which was the scene of his life- 
long labors. He died in 1776, and was buried in the 
"Sears Burying Ground." 

The church records of this time are lost, the only 
document we have discovered being the following: 

'We the Subscribers, Inhabitants of Philipse Precinct, 
do for the encouragement of the Rev. Mr. Elisha Kent in 
the work of the ministry promise to pay to him the sum 
affixed to our names, in York Currency or in other pay to 
his satisfaction, on the first day of December next 
ensuing the date hereof, and the same sum or sums on the 
first day of Dec. annually during his continuing in the 
faithful discharge of his ministry, and we continue in the 
place and so capable of attending upon it. As witness 
our hand on this 31 day of March, 1756 



"Witness 


"Tho. Higgins 10 shillings 


"John Calkins 


"Wm. Cuttle 6 


"Ephraim Smith. 


"John Tompkins 6 




"Jedediah Frost 9 




"James Anderson 8 




"Jeremiah Anderson 5 




"David Sears 10 




"Elkanah Jopkins 9 




"Samuel Fuller, Jr. 9" 




260 



Putnam County 

The character and ability of Mr. Kent may be inferred 
from the length of his ministry, covering a period of 
thirty-three years, from the popular appreciation that 
gave his name to the community, and from the history 
of his descendants; his son Hon. Moss Kent being 
prominent in the legal profession and influential in 
forming the Legislature of the State, while the name of 
his grandson, James Kent, the illustrious Chancellor, 
must ever be ranked among the foremost expounders of 
law. 

The ancient log meeting house made way for the 
erection of a new frame building previous to 1761, and 
in the process of time it became necessary to build a 
third church to accommodate the increasing number of 
worshippers. This was completed in 1794 at a cost of 
£745 and the old meeting house was sold to Noah Bouten 
for £8. Among the members who gave their financial 
support for the erection of this church, are the names of 
Samuel Hall, James Foster, Ichabod Doolittle, Stephen 
Benedict, Isaac Crosby, Seth Sears, Asa Hoyt, James 
Knapp, David Bowlding, David Crosby, Reuben Crosby, 
Joshua Barnum, Noah Bouten, Theodorus Crosby, 
Thomas Chapman, Elkanah Young, Enoch Crosby, 
Moss Crosby, John Penny, Jacob Reed, Morten Hall, 
Nathan Green, Nathaniel Foster, Thomas Sears, Joseph 
Crane, David L. de Forest and John Waring. In later 
years other benefactors of the church were Zenas and 
Benjamin Doane. 

The Presbyterian Church at Southeast Center is an 
offshoot of the church at Doansburg. It was erected in 
1854 by that portion of the congregation residing in the 
south part of the town, who wished to have church ser- 
vices in a more convenient locality. The first pastor was 

261 



Historical Record 

Rev. Winthrop Bailey, who remained until 1862. Ser- 
vices are still held here by a supply. 

The Presbyterian Church at Brewster was erected 
1884. The increasing population near the railroad center 
of the town seemed to demand that the mother church 
should come here and push its work. The change of 
location was made during the pastorate of Rev. A. R. 
Macoubry. The lot was purchased from the Robinson 
estate, and the edifice built at a cost of $12,000. Rev. 
Murray H. Gardner has been the pastor since 1904. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. As early 
as 1791 this section was embraced in a Methodist Circuit, 
the first name appearing being that of Isaac Candee, one 
of the preachers of the circuit, a young man still on trial, 
who preached in the Milltown schoolhouse. About this 
time Hezekiah and Zalmon Sandford, two brothers, 
came here from Connecticut. The former was a local 
preacher, and immediately began to preach in school 
houses and private dwellings. The house of Zalmon 
Sandford, which is still standing, surrounded on three 
sides by roads, is a short distance southwest of Southeast 
Center, and was a frequent place of meeting. It was 
also at this house that the first town meeting was held, 
in the town of Southeast, in 1795. At the same time, 
Richard Barnes, also a Methodist, came from Westchester 
county and settled near Dykeman's, and his house be- 
came a preaching place. The house of Major Cliff was 
also open for the purpose, and it is said that Daniel Drew, 
whose liberal gift to the church and its interests render 
his memory hallowed, was converted there. 

The old Cortland Circuit, which covered a large dis- 
trict, was organized in January, 1809. Among other 
preachers may be mentioned Billy Hibbard, Henry 

262 



Putnam County 

Eames and Nathan Emory. The date of the first class 
in Southeast is given as 1830. Jacob Hall was the leader. 
A society was organized in 1834 under the guidance 
of Rev. David Holmes and Alonzo F. Sellick, and plans 
were made for building a church. The society was in- 
corporated by electing Harry Pardee, Wesley Mead, 
Benjamin Mead, David Adams and Stephen Ryder 
trustees, at a meeting held in the school house January 
20, 1835, and the church was named the "Doanesville 
Methodist Episcopal Church." The edifice was begun 
in 1836 and dedicated August 19, 1837. The cost was 
$1,000. The building stood on the east side of the 
Croton Turnpike, immediately south of the New York 
and New England Railroad, a short distance north of the 
Borden Condensed Milk Factory. The church took its 
name in recognition of a considerable gift promised by 
Benjamin Doane, but the gift failing, the congregation 
changed the name to "Heddingville," after Bishop 
Hedding of the M. E. Church. This was sanctioned by 
an act of the Legislature. Among the preachers special 
mention should be made of Rev. Cyrus Foss, who re- 
sided at Drewsville and exerted a widespread influence. 
In 1853 the church was enlarged and improved and a 
basement added. In 1855 the church came into the 
Carmel Circuit, and in 1858 became a charge known as 
Heddingville and Millplains. In 1861 it became an 
independent charge, with Rev. George Clark as pastor. 
By this time Brewster Station had become a flourishing 
village, and the church was greatly increased in strength 
and numbers, and it was determined to build a new 
edifice at the station. Property was purchased on the 
south side of Main street, and a large and commodious 
church erected in 1863. The cost was $16,000, of which 

263 



Historical Record 

Daniel Drew and family gave one-half. In 1883 under 
the pastorate of Rev. Horace W. Byrnes the church was 
completely renovated and repaired at a cost of $3,000, 
and the old windows replaced by new ones of ornamental 
glass. Eight of these are memorial windows, to per- 
petuate the memory of Rev. Cyrus Foss, Albert Brush, 
Alanson Robinson, Harry Pardee, Silas Mead, Daniel 
Drew, Laura Van Scoy and Mrs. Alonzo Brush. The 
name of the church was changed from " Heddingville 
Methodist Episcopal Church" to "First Methodist 
Episcopal Church of Southeast" by Act of Legislature. 
April 24, 1867. 

ST. ANDREW'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, Brewster, 
The first service of this church was held in the Town Hall, 
the Rev. Messrs. Moore, Wilberforce Wells and R. C. 
Russell being the first to officiate. The church was 
organized August 29, 1881, at which time Seth B. Howes 
and Daniel Tillotson were chosen wardens, and Elbert C. 
Cozzens, Howard E. Foster, Wellington Ketchum, Robert 
W. Kelley and Frank Wells were elected vestrymen. 
The first rector was Rev. R. Condit Russel, who was 
officiating semi-monthly at the time the church was 
organized. The edifice was destroyed by fire July 3, 
1901, and soon replaced by the present handsome stone 
structure. 

BAPTIST CHURCH, Brewster. The first meetings 
of this society were held in 1867, the services being 
conducted by Rev. W. W. Ferris. After this, the Rev. 
Mr. Romaine, an English evangelist, held meetings in 
Kelley's Hall, on the north side of Main Street, near the 
depot, and afterward in Masonic Hall. A church lot 
was purchased of William M. Clark and others June 7, 
1870, and is described as "bounded on the west by the 

264 



Putnam County 

highway from Brewster to Carmel, and on the east by the 
old road from Carmel to Doansville." The church was 
dedicated December 28, 1871. Its cost was $15,000. 
The parsonage was built about six years later. 

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH at Brewster is officially 
known as the Church of St. Lawrence O'Toole. The first 
services were held in 1850 by the Rev. Charles Slevin, 
who was in charge of a parish which extended from Mount 
Kisco, in Westchester, to the upper part of Dutchess 
county. He was succeeded by Rev. John Osnejo, whose 
successor was Rev. Lawrence McKenna who took charge 
about 1870, and during his pastorate the church edifice 
was erected. January 21, 1878, Rev. P. J. Healy came 
in charge, remaining until February 27, 1889. He had 
for his assistant Rev. Thomas Smythe, who continued 
until October, 1881. Under the pastorate of Father 
Healy the church was freed from debt, and the rectory 
built at a cost of $3,000. Rev. M. J. Henry was the 
next pastor; he was in charge from May 26, 1889, to 
March 15, 1896, and was succeeded March 26 of the same 
year by the Rev. P. J. Clancy, who remained until May 
9, 1899. The present pastor, Rev. R. J. Burns, was 
appointed May 14, 1899, coming from Hyde Park, N. Y., 
where for six years he was in charge of the church 
Ecclesia Reginas Cceli. He was previously stationed 
in Poughkeepsie nine years as assistant to that dis- 
tinguished clergyman Rev. James Nilan, who was 
pastor of St. Peter's Church from 1877 until his death in 
1902. During the pastorate of Father Burns at Brew- 
ster, he has enlarged the rectory, renovated the interior 
of the church, and improved the entire property at a cost 
of several thousand dollars. He has also succeeded in 

265 



Historical Record 

placing in the treasury $11,000 towards the erection of a 
new church. 

IRON MINES. The development of the mines of 
iron in former times greatly increased the wealth of the 
town of Southeast, some of the ore being of most excellent 
quality. Almost all the deeds and leases given by the 
Philipse family contained a clause "reserving all mines 
and minerals," thus indicating their belief that the 
mountainous regions of this county contained various 
metals. 

Among the mines successfully operated were the 
Brewster Iron Mine on the hill to the west of the village; 
the Theall and McCollum Mines in the southwestern 
part of the town; the Tilly Foster Mine, which proved 
of greater value than any other in the county, from the 
excellence of its ore and the combination of minerals 
found. In 1810 James Townsend, who owned a forge at 
Boyd's Corners, procured ore from this mine in small 
quantities, but it was not until 1853 that extensive opera- 
tions were begun by the "Harvey Steel & Iron Co." 
When the "Pennsylvania Coal & Iron Co." obtained 
control of the mine in 1870, the output was increased 
to 2,000 tons per month. 

These mines, long since abandoned, are about to be 
reopened by a Company which is constructing a noduliz- 
ing plant, and who control a process whereby nodules 
are extracted from magnetic ore. 



266 



CHAPTER XIII. 
HISTORIC HOMES; COUNTRY ESTATES. 

THE history of the fine old estates bordering the 
east bank of the Hudson from the south line of 
Columbia County to the northern boundary of 
Westchester, is linked with that of prominent families of 
revolutionary days. 

One of the first homes erected within the orginal 
limits of Dutchess County was the Kip-Beekman- 
Livingston house, which acquired a noted colonial and 
revolutionary history. It was built on the Rhinebeck 
patent in 1700 by Hendrick Kip, and stood a short 
distance east of the present Rhinecliff station. The 
original building was a small affair constructed of stone. 
It was subsequently much enlarged and improved, and 
in 1728 became the residence of Col. Henry Beekman, 
the son of Judge Henry Beekman of Kingston. Col. 
Beekman and his second wife, Gertrude Van Cortlandt, 
occupied the house for nearly half a century, and during 
that time the great men of the period were cordially 
received and entertained there. The decade before the 
battle of Lexington witnessed many conferences of pa- 
triot sons under its roof to formulate plans in the interest 
of the colonies. 

Following the death of Col. Beekman in 1776, his 
daughter Margaret, by his first wife Janet Livingston, 
inherited this property, and it became known as the 
Livingston mansion. 

267 



Historical Record 

In 1840 the house was sold to Andrew J. Heermance. 
It was destroyed by fire in 1910. 

"Grasmere," south of the village of Rhinebeck, is a 
historical place. The original building was erected in 
1773 by Gen. Richard Montgomery, the revolutionary 
hero. It stands in the midst of many beautiful locust 
trees, of which the General was a great admirer. 

"Grasmere" was the birthplace of William Alexander 
Duer, the grandson of Lord Sterling. He was born in 
1780, read and practiced law in Rhinebeck, and was a 
member of Assembly for Dutchess from 1814 to 1817. 
For many years he was president of Columbia College. 

Gen. Morgan Lewis resided at "Grasmere" after the 
revolution, and it later became the Livingston home- 
stead. The house was burned in 1828, and rebuilt by 
Peter R. Livingston. In 1893 it was purchased by the 
present occupant, Mrs. F. A. Crosby. 

A picturesque and interesting place near Rhinebeck, 
is "Glenburn," the home of Colonel Stephen H. Olin, 
about three miles south of the village, with its entrance 
on the new State road directly opposite the Hillside 
School. The title of the nucleus of this property, since 
the original grant made by Queen Anne, has been in 
Henrv Beekman and his descendants. 

v 

In 1742 Judge Robert R. Livingston (1718-1775) of 
Clermont, married Margaret, the only surviving child 
and heiress of Col. Henry Beekman of Rhinebeck, thus 
uniting the great properties of the Livingston and Beek- 
man families. Of their nine children, Margaret (1749- 
1823) married Dr. Thomas Tillotson of Maryland on 
February 22, 1779, and Gertrude (1757-1823) married 
Morgan Lewis on May 11th, 1779. 

268 



;■ 



' 



'i 






Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Dr. Thomas Tillotson purchased from Isaac Van 
Etten the southerly lot forming part of the lands which 
had been granted in 1688 by Governor Dongan to Gerrit 
Aertsen and others. It was bounded on the south and 
west by the Hudson River and on the east by the stream 
known as Landsmans Kill, which also formed the 
westerly boundary of the Beekman patent. On this 
property Dr. Tillotson in the years 1788-1790 laid out a 
country place and called it "Linwood." His house was 
on the site at present occupied by the residence of 
Jacob Ruppert, and commanded a magnificent view of 
the river. Dr. Tillotson also acquired 150 acres of the 
Beekman land lying between Landsmans Kill and Second 
Creek, which later became known as Fallsburgh Creek. 
This plateau, between the two streams, with extensive 
views of the Catskill mountains and Hudson river, became 
known as Linwood Hill. At the mouth of Landsmans 
Kill he built a dock and mill, the remains of which still 
exist and where grain was ground until about fifty years 
ago. Dr. Tillotson also obtained at this time another 
part of the Beekman lands, twenty-nine acres of wood- 
land lying east of Fallsburgh Creek, where two beautiful 
waterfalls bring it to the river level. 

In 1830, Dr. Tillotson gave as a present to his twelve- 
year old granddaughter, Julia Lynch, the wooded gorge 
containing the waterfalls of Fallsburgh Creek. She 
called the place "Glenburn" and, when a new cottage 
had been built, it became her summer home and that of 
her parents. At "Glenburn," in 1843, Julia Lynch was 
married to the Rev. Stephen Olin, President of Wesleyan 
University, and she returned there after her husband's 
death in 1851. There Judge Lynch and his wife lived 
and died, and there, during many summers, lived Mrs. 

269 



Historical Record 

Olin's sisters, Jane Lynch, Adelaide Fitzgerald and Mar- 
garet, wife of the Rev. Henry E. Montgomery. 

In a hemlock grove beside the stream a group of child- 
ren gathered round Mrs. Olin on every summer Sunday, 
until, after years, the Glenburn Sunday School grew 
into the Hillside Chapel. 

At one time the neighborhood had a post office of its 
own — the Glenburn post office, but this dignity passed 
away when rural delivery service was established in 
Rhinebeck. 

At Mrs. Olin's death, in 1889, "Glenburn" descended 
to her son, Stephen Henry, who lives there today. 

Stretching eastward across the old Post Road and 
northward to the Foxhollow road, "Glenburn" has be- 
come a farm of more than 200 acres, but the character- 
istic part of it is the rock glen, which from 1697 has had six 
owners — two since Thomas Tillotson and three before 
him — Henry Beekman, Henry Beekman, the younger, 
and Margaret Beekman, wife of Robert R. Livingston. 

In 1903, Alice, the elder daughter of Col. Olin married 
at "Glenburn," Tracy Dows, of Irvington, N. Y., and 
two years later they bought the property adjoining 
"Glenburn," known as Linwood Hill, and began laying 
out the estate to which they gave the name of "Fox- 
hollow Farm." The first purchase, Linwood Hill, was a 
part of Linwood, and was sold in 1835 by John C. Tillot- 
son, son of Thomas Tillotson, to Dr. Federal Vander- 
burgh, who built a house on the bluff overlooking the 
river, and resided there until his death in 1868. After- 
wards Linwood Hill belonged to Harrison G. Dyar, and 
from 1891 to George Holliday. To this Mr. Dows 
added a tract of 117 acres purchased from Elizabeth, I 
wife of Herman Asher, part of a farm leased by Morgan 

270 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Lewis and his wife Gertrude, in 1806, to John Brown. 
From Mrs. Ernest H. Crosby was purchased a part of 
"Grasmere," which, before the Revolution, belonged 
to Major General Richard Montgomery, another son-in- 
law of Robert R. Livingston; from Gertner Fraleigh 
was bought the farm which Steven Fraleigh had taken 
in 1806 from Morgan Lewis and his wife, and from John 
Schultz, the farm which they had leased in 1822 to 
Abraham Schultz. In 1910 Mr. Dows moved into the 
house which he built on the site of the former residence 
of Dr. Vanderburgh. 

The northern boundary of "Foxhollow Farm" is the 
Foxhollow road. The southern boundary is along the 
river road and the Hudson river. The western boundary 
is that long stretch of Landsmans Kill which formerly 
separated the fulling-mill of General Lewis from Dr. 
Tillotson's grist mill; Glenburn and the Post Road form 
the eastern boundary. Taken together the two places 
are a compact tract of about 800 acres, well watered, of 
beautiful and varied scenery, with woodland, meadow 
and pasture, traversed by drives and bridle paths and 
containing many buildings, old and new. 

"Lin wood," the estate of Mr. Jacob Ruppert, was 
originally the property of Arie Roosa, who bought it 
from the Indian owners in 1686, as appears by the record 
in book AA, in the Ulster County clerk's office. 

It is situated on Lot 1 of the Roosa Patent in the town 
of Rhinebeck, and the royal patent covering and con- 
firming this sale bears date June 2, 1688. In 1788 it was 
the Van Etten farm, and was then purchased by Dr. 
Thomas Tillotson, a surgeon in the Revolutionary War 
and subsequently Secretary of State. Dr. Tillotson 

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Historical Record 

erected a mansion, named it "Lin wood," and resided 
there until his death in 1832. 

Dr. Federal Vanderburgh, the founder of homeopathy 
in America, and a son of Colonel James Vanderburgh, 
a member of the Provincial Congress from Dutchess, 
then purchased this estate. He sold the land west of the 
creek to his son-in-law John B. James, who in turn sold 
it to his brother Augustus James, who lived there for 
thirty years. In 1868 "Lin wood" was bought by Alfred 
Wild who transferred it to John G. Gillig, and November 
28, 1883, Mr. Ruppert purchased the property. He 
increased the acreage, improved the roads, planted 
many beautiful shade trees, and erected a modern man- 
sion which commands a river and mountain view of 
great extent and beauty. 

"Blithewood," the estate of Captain Andrew C. 
Zabriskie at Barrytown, has an interesting history. The 
land was originally part of the Schuyler patent. The 
portion on which Blithewood is located was purchased 
by the Van Bentheusen family, and used as a farm for a 
number of generations. 

In the year 1800, General John Armstrong purchased 
a part of the farm from the Van Bentheusen family, and 
erected a house thereon. After a few years, he sold his 
property to John Stevens, of Hoboken, who made 
improvements to the estate, including a half-mile race 
track. He, in turn, sold the property to John C. Cruger, 
who, after a residence of some years, sold to Robert 
Donaldson, a southern gentleman. 

It was during Mr. Donaldson's ownership that the 
greatest improvements were made to this beautiful 
estate. Mr. Donaldson engaged the celebrated land- 
scape artist Andrew J. Downing to develop and lay out 

272 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

the property. Much of the present beauty of Blithe- 
wood is due to the skill of this distinguished man. 

Mr. Donaldson in his turn sold the estate to John Bard. 
During his ownership Mr. Bard built the chapel of the 
Holy Innocents on a portion of the property and gave 
it to St. Stephen's College, an institution with which he 
was largely concerned in founding, and which has its 
buildings directly across the road. 

Afterward the property became involved in litigation 
which lasted for several years, and was finally foreclosed 
and secured by St. Stephen's College. 

In 1899 the present owner bought the property from 
the trustees of the college. The original estate of Blithe- 
wood, embracing about one hundred and forty acres, 
has been added to from time to time by Captain Zabriskie 
through the purchase of several additional estates, until 
now Blithewood embraces one thousand acres. 

Downing, in his Landscape Gardening and Rural 
Agriculture issued in 1840, gives a view of Blithewood as a 
frontispiece for his work, and speaks of it as follows: 

"Blithewood, the seat of R. Donaldson, Esq., near 
Barrytown on the Hudson, is one of the most charming 
villa residences in the Union. The natural scenery here, 
is nowhere surpassed in its enchanting union of softness 
and dignity — the river being two miles wide, its placid 
bosom being broken only by islands and gleaming sails, 
and the horizon grandly closing in with the tall, blue 
summits of the distant Kaatskills. The smiling, gently 
varied lawn is studded with groups and masses of fine 
forest and ornamental trees, beneath which are walks 
leading in easy curves to rustic seats, and summer houses 
placed in secluded spots, or to openings affording most 
lovely prospects. 

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Historical Record 

"As a pendant to this graceful landscape, there i 
within the grounds scenery of an opposite character 
equally wild and picturesque — a fine bold stream, fringed 
with woody banks, and dashing over several rocky 
cascades, thirty or forty feet in height, and falling, 
altogether, a hundred feet in half a mile. In short, wd 
can recall no place of moderate extent, where nature and 
tasteful art, are both so prodigal of beauty, and so har- 
monious in effect." 

"Rokeby," near Barrytown, containing some 300 
acres, was first established under the name of "La 
Bergerie" by General John Armstrong, who built the 
house in 1812. His daughter married William B. Astor, 
and in 1836 Mr. Astor bought the property, and changed 
the name of the estate to "Rokeby." It was bequeathed 
by him to his grandchild, Margaret Astor Chanler, and 
in 1875, it was inherited by the present owner, Mrs. 
Richard Aldrich. 

"The Callendar House" at Tivoli was built by Henry 
Gilbert Livingston, who in 1795 sold it to Philip Henry 
Livingston, who occupied it until 1828. In 1860 it 
became the property of Mr. Johnston Livingston and is 
now occupied by his son-in-law, Mr. Gerald wyn Red- 
mond. 

"Ferncliff," near Rhinebeck, was the birthplace of Col. 
John Jacob Astor, the present owner. It was selected 
and named by William Astor who was born in 1829, and 
died April 25, 1892. He was a son of William B. and 
a grandson of John Jacob Astor. 

"Ferncliff" is today the largest estate in the Hudson 
Valley, and contains within its borders all that is desir- 
able. 






274 






Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

"Ellerslie," the estate of Hon. Levi P. Morton, way 
in 1750 the farm of Hendricus Heermance. His daugh- 
ter, Clartjen, married Jacobus Kip. The farm passed 
to the Kips by inheritance, and was in 1814 sold to 
Maturin Livingston, son-in-law of Gov. Lewis. He built 
a mansion on it, and in 1816 sold the property to James 
Thompson, who named it "Ellerslie." In 1841 il was 
sold to William Kelly, who increased the acreage to 
nearly eight hundred, and greatly beautified the estate. 
The present modern mansion was erected by Gov. 
Morton. 

"The Locusts," the estate of the late William Brown 
Dinsmore, occupies a thousand acres in the town of 
Hyde Park, north of the village of Staatsburg. A large 
portion of this property was inherited by George William 
Prevost, who, in April, 181 1, conveyed it to James Duane 
Livingston, and October 19, 1835, it was sold by Mr. 
Livingston to William C. Emmet of New York, who 
occupied it as a country seat until 1854, when it was 
purchased by Mr. Dinsmore. The mansion which com- 
mands a view of the Hudson for several miles, was built 
by Mr. Dinsmore in 1873. The grounds surrounding 
the house form a lawn of from fifty to sixty acres, beauti- 
fied by extensive floral display and a profusion of bedding 
plants. Mr. Dinsmore's interests in horticulture and 
especially floriculture amounted almost to a passionate 
fondness, and no grounds along the Hudson present a 
greater collection of costly plants than those surrounding 
The Locusts." The farm is conducted more with a view 
to excellence than profit, the whole premises being made 
to cater to an aesthetic taste. With the varied indus- 
tries which it supports, this estate constitutes in itself a 
village of no mean pretensions. 

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Historical Record 

Adjoining the Dinsmore place on the south is the former 
estate of General Morgan Lewis, now owned by his de- 
scendants, Mrs. Ogden Mills, and the family of the late 
Lydig M. Hoyt. The Mills mansion was built in 1832; 
only the wings are modern. "The Point" was built by 
Mr. Hoyt in 1858. He was a son of Goold and Sabina 
(Sheaff ) Hoyt, and was born in 1821. His earliest Ameri- 
can ancestor was one of a company of Episcopalians who 
purchased and settled on a tract of land in Connecticut 
in 1640. Lydig M. Hoyt married in 1842, Geraldine, 
youngest daughter of Maturin and Margaret (Lewis) 
Livingston. Mrs. Livingston was the only child of Gen. 
Morgan Lewis and his wife Gertrude, who was a daugh- 
ter of Judge Robert R. Livingston (1718-1775). 

At Hyde Park village is the country seat of Frederick 
W. Vanderbilt, who purchased this property in 1895. 
This is the estate to which the name of Hyde Park orig- 
inally applied, and which was for many years the home 
of Dr. John Bard and his son Dr. Samuel Bard, the first 
president of the Dutchess County Medical Society. In 
1827 the estate was sold to Dr. David Hosack. He died 
in 1835, and it was sold to Walter Langdon, Sr. His son 
Walter inherited and occupied the estate to the time of 
his death in 1894. Mr. Vanderbilt removed the Langdon 
house, and built a stone mansion considered the finest 
example of Italian renaissance in this country. 

South of Hyde Park is "Crumwold," the estate of Mr. 
Archibald Rogers, who purchased it in 1889. In 1842 
it was owned by Elias Butler who gave the place its 
present name. The Miller and Hoffman families resided 
on a portion of this property, and the houses of General 
James J. Jones and Dudley B. Fuller now form a part of 
this immense estate. 

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Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

'Wood Cliff," just north of Poughkeepsie, is the 
home of Mrs. Harriet Wickes Winslow. The estate 
comprises about thirty acres of Lot No. 1 of the Great 
Nine Partners patent, and was originally a part of the 
farm of Roderick C. Andrus. In 1840 it was transferred 
to Henry S. Richards, and later was purchased by Ed- 
ward Crosby, son of William B. Crosby of New York. 
Mr. Crosby tore down the old house and built the present 
one. He married Miss Elizabeth Van Schoonhoven of 
Troy, and they occupied the property for many years. 
June 10, 1867, it was purchased by the late John Flack 
Winslow, whose memory in connection with the build- 
ing of the Monitor is perpetuated in our national his- 
tory. Mr. Winslow remodelled the house, laid out the 
gardens and greatly improved the estate. He resided 
at "Wood Cliff" until his death in 1892. 

Of the historic homes in Poughkeepsie only one re- 
mains,— the Governor Clinton House. The Van Kleeck 
House built in 1702 was demolished in 1836. It was 
probably the first stone house in the place, was strong 
enough to serve as a fortress against Indian attacks, 
and was loop-holed for muskets. It long served as an 
important gathering place, where committee meetings 
were held, particularly by the patriots previous to the 
Revolution. 

The Gov. Clinton House, now in the possession of the 
D. A. R., was built by Clear Everitt, who was sheriff of the 
county from 1754 to 1761. It was used for important 
purposes during the Revolution, and it is quite probable 
that Gov. Clinton occupied it for a time as his residence, 
although there is no positive evidence which was the 
gubernatorial mansion during the many years Clinton 
lived in Poughkeepsie. 

277 



Historical Record 

The Livingston Mansion was built by Henry Living- 
ston on the river front soon after his purchase in 1742 
of a part of the Conklin property just south of Pough- 
keepsie. It was used for several years as an office by 
the Phoenix Horse Shoe Company, until torn down in 
1910. This was a delightful country seat far into 
the nineteenth century, and was occupied by descen- 
dants of Henry Livingston until about 1870, although 
the railroad destroyed much of its attractiveness. When 
General Vaughn sailed up the Hudson, in 1777, with a 
formidable fleet, he fired a few shots at Poughkeepsie, 
one of which struck the Livingston house. It was an 
iron ball some four inches in diameter, and is preserved 
in Washington Headquarters museum at Newburgh. 

At New Hamburgh is the old colonial mansion 
"Edgehill," for many years the country place of the 
Sands family, and now owned and occupied by Austin 
L. Sands. The estate covers some seventy-five acres, 
and was purchased by the late William Sands from Dr. 
Satterlee. The house was built in 1810, and com- 
mands a magnificent view of the Hudson. 

"Mount Gulian" the most historic home in the town 
of Fishkill, was built about 1740 by Gulian Verplanck, 
grandson of Gulian Verplanck, who purchased the 
adjacent lands from the Wappinger Indians in 1683. 
The old part is of stone, and stuccoed; over it is a gam- 
brel roof with dormer windows. This house was for a 
time the headquarters of Baron Steuben during the 
Revolution, and under its roof was instituted, in May, 
1783, the Society of the Cincinnati, of which General 
Washington was the first president, an office he retained 
until his death. "Mount Gulian" is now owned and 
occupied by William E. Verplanck. 

278 



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Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

The oldest house now standing in the town of Fish- 
kill is the Teller House at Matteawan, built in 1709 by 
Roger Brett. He married Catherine, the daughter of 
Francis Rombout, the patentee. Madam Brett was 
very active in the early development of the town. The 
homestead is now occupied by her descendants — the 
Crary family. 

"Undercliff," at Cold Spring, has been the gathering 
place of many notable people. It was built by John 
Hamilton, son of Alexander Hamilton, but before it was 
finished Mr. Hamilton abandoned the idea of a summer 
home at Cold Spring, and the property was sold to the 
poet, Gen. George P. Morris. It was here that Rodman 
Drake wrote the first part of his fanciful poem, "Culprit 
Fay." General Morris made his summer home at "Un- 
dercliff" from 1830 until his death in 1864, and a few 
years later the place was sold to General Butterfield, and 
is now owned by his widow, who resides upon the ad- 
joining estate, "Cragside." 

'Beverly House," which stood near Garrison until its 
destruction by fire a few years ago, became famous during 
the Revolution as the headquarters of the Continental 
forces for the defense of the Highlands. It was from this 
house that Benedict Arnold deserted to the British, an 
account of which will be found in Chapter VI. The 
house was for a time the home of Dr. Dwight, then a 
chaplain in the Continental army, and afterwards presi- 
dent of Yale College. 

Of the time when the house was built there is no cer- 
tain knowledge, but Beverly Robinson was living there in 
1768. On Erskine's map it will be noticed that the only 
houses in this neighborhood are those of Robinson and 
John Mandeville. A few tenants were scattered on 

279 



Historical Record 

farms. At the time of the confiscation of the estate of 
Col. Robinson, the greater part was sod to William 
Denning, who died in 1819. The Bevlerly farm was 
struck off at auction by his executors at the Tontine 
Coffee House, New York, January 22, 1822, to Thomas 
Arden for the sum of $20,000. It passed to his nephew 
Richard D. Arden in 1826, and from him to his son, Col. 
Thomas B. Arden. March 28, 1870, this historic estate 
was purchased by Hon. Hamilton Fish. The highway 
which runs through the property was formerly a private 
road and bore the name of Beverly Lane. It became a 
public road in 1866. 



280 



PART II 



Biographical and Genealogical 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND 
GENEALOGICAL. 

J ORIS DERICKSEN BRINCKERHOFF, the an- 
cestor of the Brinckerhoff family in America, was 
born as nearly as can be determined in the county 
of Dreuthe, Holland, in 1609. He married Susannah 
Dubbels, and in 1638 came to America, settling in New 
Amsterdam. He intended to settle on Staten Island and 
did purchase land there, but one day going to look the 
property over with his sons, one of the sons was shot by 
the Indians, and this caused him to give up the project, 
and he went back to New Amsterdam. From there the 
family seems to have gone to Flushing, and the Fishkill 
family are part of the Flushing branch. 

The first one of the name who is connected with Fish- 
kill, was Derick Brinckerhoff, grandson of Joris Derick- 
sen, and the ancestor of the Fishkill branch. He was 
born in Flushing March 16th, 1667, married Aeltie 
Cowenhouven, was an extensive farmer of liberal means 
and a man of influence and power in the early history 
of Flushing and the Newtown Church. He had a large 
family of children and in July 9th, 1718, purchased from 
Madam Brett, 2000 acres of land lying in the very heart 
of the Fishkill Valley. This purchase consisted of two 
parcels of land, one of 1600 acres and the other of 400. 
It would be interesting to know what the consideration 
was, but of this history sayeth not. About 500 acres 
of this purchase still remains in the possession of his 
descendants, at Brinckerhoff, Dutchess County. 

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Biographical and Genealogical 

Four of his ^ons came to Fishkill, three of whom have 
left no male descendants living there. His eldest son, 
Abraham's family, still remain to represent his name. 

Abraham, the eldest son of Derick and the great 
grandson of Joris Dericksen, was born shortly after 
1700. He was the first man of the name who came to 
Fishkill to occupy the lands which had been purchased 
by his father. They extended from a point near Fishkill 
Village and were bounded by the creek on the south 
until a mile or more beyond Swartoutville. He built 
a house on a rise of ground near Brinckerhoff. The 
country then was entirely new. His nearest neighbors 
were Peter Du Boys living upon Sprout Creek a mile 
and a half north of Swartoutville, Johannes Terboss 
living at Fishkill Village, and Robert Hussey living in a 
low stone house east of Glenham. 

He married Femmetia Remsen, had 7 children and 
died in the prime of his life, his death occurring previous 
to that of his father. 

Because he was the ancestor of the family in this sec- 
tion, the names of his children are given, they were : 

Derick, married Geertie Wyckoff; John A., married 
Elizabeth Brinckerhoff; Abraham, died without issue; 
Elizabeth, married Abraham Brinckerhoff; Aeltie, mar- 
ried Abraham Adrianne; Diana, married Rudolphus 
Swartout and Antie, who married Abraham Lent. 

Derick, son of Abraham, and afterwards Colonel, was 
a man who took a prominent part in the county, both in 
peace and war. He built the mill at Brinckerhoff, the 
only other mill being that of Madam Brett, at the mouth 
of the Creek, and ran his large farm. He was a member 
of the First Provincial Congress, which assembled May 
23d, 1775; member of the First Assembly of the State 

284 




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Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

of New York, and chairman of the Vigilance Committee 
of the town. His house being located only two miles 
from the hospitals, workshops and barracks of the Con- 
tinental Army, encamped near Fishkill during the Revo- 
lution, it naturally became the rendezvous of the officers of 
the Army. Washington was a frequent visitor, and La 
Fayette lay sick at his house. 

Colonel John Brinckerhoff, second son of Derick, and 
brother of Abraham, the first settler, came to Fishkill 
when a young man, and built the house now occupied by 
Myers Brownell. His children with the exception of his 
daughter Aeltie, who married Dr. Theodorus Van Wyck, 
died in youth. Colonel John was a staunch Dutch 
churchman, and left 100 pounds to the Dutch Church at 
Fishkill, to be held in trust. 

Isaac Brinckerhoff, the third brother to come to Fishkill, 
came from Long Island when a young man, and occupied 
some part of the original purchase made by his father in 
1618. He married Sarah Rapelje and died at Fishkill in 
1770, leaving no one of his descendants at that place. 

Jacob, twin brother of Isaac and the fourth brother, 
either was born in Fishkill or came here as a very young 
boy. He married Elizabeth Lent, and had 8 children, 
6 of whom died very young. His daughter married 
Johannes Dewitt, and his son Derick was a revolutionary 
soldier under Washington. 

He married Catherine Van Vlack of Fishkill and after- 
wards moved to Long Island with his family. 

Dutchess County appears to have been a Land of Prom- 
ise to the Brinckerhoff family, for aside from the original 
purchaser of the lands at Brinckerhoff, and his descend- 
ants, their cousins from Long Island, settled around New 
Hackensack and Fishkill Landing, and in the family his- 

285 



Biographical and Genealogical 

tory one finds frequent notations that such a person or 
whole family " removed to Fishkill"or" Dutchess County." 
In 1783 George Brinckerhoff and his two sons, Teunis 
and George, came to Dutchess County, and were the 
founders of the Fishkill Landing branch of the family. 

This Flushing branch spell the name Brinckerhoff, 
while the Pennsylvania and New Jersey branches drop 
the "c." The name is said by some to mean court 
messenger, from Brengenhof, the Dutch for Messenger 
of the Court, or head messenger, from Brenger, a mes- 
senger, hof a court, of hoofd, chief or leader, but Dr. 
Wm. E. Griffis thinks it means a "dweller in the court." 
The family motto is Constans, Fides, et Integritas. 
The family line of Theodore Brinckerhoff follows : 
1st. Joris Dericksen Brinckerhoff, wife Susannah 

Dubbels. 
2d. Abraham Jorisen Brinckerhoff, wife Aeltie Stryker. 
3d. Derick Brinckerhoff, wife Aeltie Cowenhoven. 
4th. Abraham Brinckerhoff, wife Femmetia Remsen. 
5th. John A. Brinckerhoff, wife Elizabeth Brinckerhoff. 
6th. Derick Brinckerhoff, wife Margaret Brett. 
7th. Isaac Brinckerhoff, wife Margaret Brett. 
8th. Theodore Brinckerhoff, wife Sarah O. La Tourette. 
9th. Adeline Cromwell Brinckerhoff. 

La Tourette Brinckerhoff, married Fanny M. 

Badeau. 
Ralph Brinckerhoff, married Mary E. V. Doughty. 
Emma O. Brinckerhoff. 
10th. Children of La Tourette Brinckerhoff. 
Theodore Brinckerhoff, 
Harriet Badeau Brinckerhoff, 
Ten Eyck Brinckerhoff, 
Wilhelmina Brinckerhoff. 

286 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

CLEAVELAND GENEALOGY. Moses Cleaveland, 

the common ancestor of all the Cleavelands of New Eng- 
land, came when a youth to America in 1635, from 
Ipswich, Suffolk County, England, where he was born 
in 1624. He married in Woburn, Mass., Anna Winn, 
September 26, 1648. They had eleven children, of 
whom Josiah, born February 26, 1666, was the eighth 
in order of birth, and is the direct ancestor of the Cleave- 
land family of Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He served in the 
Indian wars of 1688-89, and died at Canterbury, Conn., 
April 26, 1709. 

Josiah Cleaveland married Mary Bates, and their eldest 
son, Josiah, was born at Chelmsford, Mass., October 7, 
1690, and died at Canterbury, Conn., February 9, 1750. 

Josiah 3 (Josiah 2 , Moses 1 ) was a man of wealth and of 
prominence in both town and church. He married 
Abigail Paine, and eleven children were born to them, 
of whom John, the seventh in order of birth, continues 
the direct line of descent. 

Rev. John 4 (Josiah 3 , Josiah 2 , Moses 1 ,) was born at Can- 
terbury, Conn., April 11, 1722. He graduated from Yale 
in 1745, and became a distinguished divine, ministering 
to churches in Boston and Ipswich. He married July 15, 
1747, Mary Dodge. They had nine children, of whom 
Nehemiah, born August 26, 1760, continues the next 
generation. Rev. John Cleaveland died at Ipswich, 
Mass., April 22, 1799. 

Nehemiah 5 (Rev. John 4 , Josiah 3 , Josiah 2 , Moses 1 ) was 
twice married. His first wife, who was Lucy Manning, 
he married October 6th, 1787. She died in 1791. July 1, 
1792, he married Experience Lord, by whom he had 
eight children. He died at Topfield, Mass., February 
26, 1837. 

287 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Nehemiah C. 6 (Nehemiah 5 , Rev. John 4 , Josiah 3 , Josiah 2 , 
Moses 1 ) was born at Topsfield, Mass., August 16, 
1796. He graduated from Bowdoin in 1813, and taught 
school for several years. In 1839 he was appointed 
Professor of Ancient Language in Phillips Academy, 
Exeter, N. H., and received the degree of LL. K. From 
1842 to 1848, he conducted a Seminary for young ladies 
in Brooklyn, N. Y. He married at Ipswich, Mass., 
September 8, 1823, Abby Pickard Manning, only daugh- 
ter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Pickard) Manning of Char- 
leston, S. C. The following children were born at New- 
bury, Mass.: Joseph Manning, born July 22, 1824; 
George Nehemiah, born February 17, 1826; Henry Wil- 
liam, born December 17, 1827; Abby Elizabeth, born 
December 16, 1832; Mary Lord, born May 28, 1835. 
Nehemiah C. died at Westport, Fairfield County, Conn., 
April 17, 1877. 

Joseph Manning 7 (Nehemiah 6 , Nehemiah 5 , Rev. John 4 , 
Josiah 3 , Josiah 2 , Moses 1 ), whose biography was published 
in the 1909 History of Dutchess County, N. Y., was 
married in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., to Miss Cornelia Frances 
Barculo who was born in Poughkeepsie March 30, 1851, 
and died here August 6, 1881. She was a daughter of 
Hon. Seward and Cornelia A. (Talman) Barculo. The 
following children were born in Poughkeepsie: Barculo, 
born August 18, 1878, died in Poughkeepsie, March 5, 
1880; Manning, born February 12, 1880; Frederick 
Howland, born May 4, 1881. 

Manning 8 (Joseph M 7 ., Nehemiah 6 , Nehemiah 5 , Rev. 
John 4 , Josiah 3 , Josiah 2 , Moses 1 ) was educated at River- 
view Academy, Poughkeepsie, supplemented by one year 
at the law school of the University of Wisconsin. For 
several years he has been engaged in the real estate 

288 




'// 



UUOWi , yJ/Yv/;/ SJ/;/j;s>,r/v,'J /r/ 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

business, and is president of the Cleaveland Building 
Co. of Poughkeepsie. He is the proprietor of the 
Cleaveland Taxi-Cab Co. 

October 19, 1903, he married Nora Orr of Pough- 
keepsie, and the following children continue the ninth 
generation from Moses Cleaveland: Helen Cornelia, 
bora July 4, 1907; Isabel, born March 5, 1909; Manning, 
born March 20, 1910. 

DINSMORE GENEALOGY. William Brown Dins- 
more was born in Boston, Mass., July 24th, 1810. He 
was descended from the Scotch; an ancestor of the 
old Scotch family of Dinsmore came to this country a few 
years before 1730, and joined the Colony of Scotch and 
Scotch Irish at Londonderry (now Antrim), New Hamp- 
shire. The Dinsmore genealogical line, as far back as 
now known, commenced with the "Laird Dinsmore, of 
distant Achenmead near the River Tweed, Scotland," 
and he was living certainly as late as 1667. An old letter 
written by a Robert Dinsmore, about 1794, from Bally- 
wattick, County Antrim, Ireland, gives "an authentic 
account of the Dinsmoor family," (the name was spelled 
both ways but Dinsmore was the original spelling). 
"I make no doubt I could find it, if I knew where to 
look for it. It contained the Dinsmore's beautiful coat 
of arms." The old letter says "My father Y great-grand- 
father was an emigrant from a place in Scotland called 
Achenmead, near the River Tweed," and then continues 
the story of the family : "This ' emigrant to Ireland' was 
the son of a wealthy farmer, as I suppose from his style, 
being called the Laird of Achenmead, as he had tenants 
under him. He had two sons, of which my grandfather 
was the second whose name was John. He left his 
father's house in the seventeenth year of his age." Later, 

289 



Biographical and Genealogical 

he says "The cause for his leaving his father's house was, 
that his father obliged him, and that uncovered, to hold 
the off-stirrup of his elder brother's saddle, when he 
mounted his horse." 

No trace of Achenmead can be found up to the present ; 

it was also spelled Auchinmead, Aikenmead. Tradition 

asserts that the 'Laird' was a follower of Douglass, 

whose great castle known as 'Neidpath' Castle was near 

the city of Peebles, and that the Laird Dinsmore's home 

was in the vicinity of the castle. In the same Dinsmore 

letter written to a cousin John Dinsmore of Londonderry, 

N. H. (grandfather of W. B. Dinsmore), he describes 

"the Dinsmore Coat-of-Arms as three sheaves of wheat i 

of a yellow color, upright in the center of a green field." 

These have been looked upon as simply agricultural 

emblems, but it is well known that a sheaf of wheat is 

one of the oldest, and an honored, emblem in Heraldry. 

John, the younger son of "The Laird," decided 

quickly to leave his home, joined the colony of Scotch 

people already settled in Ireland, and made his home at 

Ballywattick, Ballymony, County Antrim, near Coler- 

aine. It was his son John, born 1671, the eldest child, 

who came to America, a little before 1730, and after a 

few years joined the Scotch Colony at Londonderry 

(Antrim), N. H. Later, after building a home, he sent 

for his son Robert, and his daughter Elizabeth to come 

with their step-mother, and their families to live with 

him. He died 1741. 

Robert, born 1692, in Ireland, brought his wife 
Margaret Orr and four children. Robert died October 
14, 1751. His wife died June 2, 1752. Their son 
"Deacon" John was born 1731; he married Martha, 
.daughter of Justice James McKeen, or McKean (the 

290 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

latter born 1665, at Bally mony, County Antrim, Ireland), 
and of his wife Annis Cargill. 

Justice McKeen was son of William McKeen "ye 
soldier," who fled from Scotland to Ireland, and founded 
the Scotch Colony of Ulster County, Ireland. "He 
testified before Claverhouse, about the murder of Arch- 
bishop Sharp." He was a staunch Protestant, and took 
part in the defense of Londonderry, Ireland, in 1688-9. 

Deacon John Dinsmore died July 23, 1793. He and his 
wife Martha McKeen had a large family, and their 
eldest son, Hon. Silas Dinsmoor (he preferred this man- 
ner of spelling his name) was a brilliant, handsome man, 
engaged in political life in Washington during President 
Jackson's Administration. 

His younger brother William, is the next in our line. 
William was born in Londonderry, N. H., April 18, 1787. 
He moved to Charlestown, Mass., for business affairs, 
and married September 15, 1803, Katherine, daughter of 
Gawen Brown, and wife Elizabeth Hill, and lived in 
Boston, where his children were born. 

Gawen Brown was spoken of in Drake's "History of 
Boston" as "An Englishman residing in Boston." He 
had a large mansion on King Street (now State Street) 
where the "Merchant's Bank" now stands. The Boston 
Massacre took place almost in front of his house, and a 
story is told of the sudden alarm and departure of the 
Brown family, when they hastened to their country 
home at Weston, a few miles from Boston, only returning 
three days after, and to their astonishment found that 
although, in their fright, they had forgotten to close the 
door, it was still open, but nothing had been disturbed 
in the house. 

Gawen Brown, as a boy in England, had a great fancy 

291 



Biographical and Genealogical 

for the mechanism of clocks, so he adopted clock-making 
as his occupation when he came to Boston. He chose 
coming to this country in preference to entering the Army 
or Navy of England. He made the great clock which 
is still in the spire of the historical Old South Church, 
corner of Washington and Milk Streets, Boston. At the 
beginning of the Revolution he feared harm would be 
done to the great clock, so he took it away in pieces, and 
hid it in the cellar of his house until the war was over. 
It is said in the family that his son John Flagg Brown 
(son of the first marriage) was one of the Boston youths 
dressed as Indians who threw overboard the tea from 
the British ship on the night of the "Boston Tea Party." 
Gawen Brown's first wife was Mary Flagg. The second 
wife was Elizabeth, daughter of the famous Tory, Rev. 
Mather Byles, of Hollis Street Church. By that mar- 
riage was one son, Mather, who became an artist, and 
lived with relatives in London, where he painted por- 
traits and decorated several interiors of London churches. | 
The third wife was Elizabeth (widow of Dr. Joseph 
Adams, brother of "Samuel, the Patriot"), daughter of | 
John Hill of Boston. Elizabeth was born 1769. 

The ancestry of Gawen Brown has not yet been dis- 
covered in this country. It is only known that he was a 
second son, and is thought to have come from North- 
umberland. He only returned to England twice, the 
last time being for his sister Annie's (or Amy's) "mar- 
riage to a nobleman," as tradition says. Gawen Brown 
died in Boston, August 8, 1801. His wife Elizabeth's 
father, John Hill, was a son of Henry Hill, who was 
prominent in Boston affairs in its early days. John 
and his brother Thomas inherited a large distillery, 
and much land in and near Essex Street, from their 

292 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

father, and Hill's wharf was also built by him. John 
Hill's wife was Elizabeth Maxwell of Boston, born 
February 9, 1699, daughter of John Maxwell; he was 
baptized December 23, 1669, and was a son of James 
Maxwell (probably born in Scotland). John Maxwell 
married, November 5, 1696, Elizabeth Codner. The 
Hills and Maxwells were successful merchants in Boston's 
early days. The Maxwells are thought to have come 
from Glasgow, Scotland. 

Next in the Dinsmore line is the son of William and 
Katherine Brown, William Brown Dinsmore, born in 
Boston, July 24, 1810. In early life he lived with cousins 
in Antrim, N. H. Later, after entering various pursuits 
in Boston and New York, he went into partnership with 
Alvin Adams in the new express business, the company 
then being "Adams and Company's Express." Through 
their long lives Alvin Adams and William B. Dinsmore 
were as two brothers in their love and esteem for each 
other. On October 19, 1842, Mr. Dinsmore married 
Augusta Manners Snow, daughter of Isaac Snow of 
Boston (formerly of Eastham or Brewster, Mass.), and 
of his wife Nancy Gray (also formerly of Eastham or 
Brewster). The Snows were descended from the "May- 
flower Pilgrims" through the Brewster, Hopkins and 
Soule lines. For the benefit of others interested, the 
Brewster line is, 9 Isaac Snow, ( 8 Moses, 7 Nathaniel, 
6 Joseph, Joseph's mother 5 Sarah Freeman, 4 John Free- 
man, Jr., John Freeman, Jr's., mother 3 Mercy Prince, 
Mercy Prince's mother 2 Patience Brewster [wife of Gov. 
Thomas Prince] and daughter of J Elder William Brew- 
ster). The Hopkins' line of Isaac Snow is 8 Isaac, 7 Moses, 
6 Nathaniel, 5 Joseph, 4 Edward, 3 Jabez, Honl. Nicholas' 
wife 2 Constance, daughter of x Stephen Hopkins. Again 

293 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Isaac Snow was descended from the Hopkins' line through 
6 Nathaniel Snow's mother, 5 Mary Sears, wife of Joseph 
Snow, whose mother, 4 Ruth Myrick, wife of Samuel Sears, 
was a daughter of William Myrick and 3 Abigail Hopkins; 
the latter was a daughter of 2 Giles Hopkins, son of 
Stephen. Again Isaac Snow was of the Hopkins' line 
through his grandmother Lydia Hopkins, wife of 
Nathaniel Snow; she was a daughter of 5 Moses Hopkins 
( 4 Samuel, 3 Stephen, 2 Giles, Stephen). From Isaac 
Snow the Soule line is 7 Isaac Snow, his mother 6 Hannah 
Freeman, 5 Seth Freeman, Seth Freeman's mother, 4 Mary 
Clark, daughter of Scotto Clark and 3 Mary Haskell, 
John Haskell's wife, 2 Patience Soule, who was a daughter 
of x George Soule. Isaac Snow was descended from 
another 'Pilgrim,' Joseph Rogers, as follows: 6 Isaac 
Snow, his mother 5 Hannah Freeman, her mother 4 Abigail 
Rogers (wife of Seth Freeman), 3 Eleazar, 2 John, Joseph 
Rogers. Isaac Snow's wife 6 Nancy Gray's line was 
5 Dean, 4 Lot Jr., 3 Lot, 2 John Jr., a John. Nancy Gray was 
also twice in descent from Stephen Hopkins ; 8 Nancy Gray, 
7 Dean, his mother 6 Miriam Smith (wife of Lot Gray, Jr.), 
5 Dean Smith, 4 John Smith, John Smith's mother 3 Mary 
Hopkins (wife of Samuel Smith), 2 Giles Hopkins, 
Stephen Hopkins. Also, again, 8 Nancy Gray, 7 Dean 
Gray, 6 Miriam Smith (wife of Lot Gray, Jr.), 5 Dean 
Smith, Dean Smith's mother 4 Bethia Snow (wife of John 
Smith), 3 Stephen Snow, Stephen Snow's mother Con- 
stance Hopkins, daughter of Stephen Hopkins. In the 
Warren line is 9 Nancy Gray, 8 Dean Gray, his mother 
7 Miriam Smith (wife of Lot Gray, Jr.), Miriam Smith's 
mother 6 Esther Rider (wife of Dean Smith), 5 John Rider, 
Jr., 4 John Rider, his mother 3 Sarah Bartlett (wife of 
Samuel Rider), daughter of 2 Mary Warren (wife of 

294 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Robert Bartlett), daughter of Richard Warren. Anoth- 
er Hopkins' line of 8 Nancy Gray: her mother 7 Hannah 
Snow (wife of Dean Gray), 6 Enos Snow, 5 John Snow, 
4 Micajah Snow, 3 Stephen Snow, Stephen Snow's mother 
2 Constance Hopkins, Stephen Hopkins. 

Now, to continue the Dinsmore line, Mr. and Mrs. 
W. B. Dinsmore had two sons, born in New York. The 
elder, William Brown Dinsmore, Jr., was born June 21, 
1844. He married, November 22, 1866, Helen Frances 
Adams, daughter of Alvin Adams and wife, Ann Rebecca 
Bridge, at that time living in Watertown, Mass., and 
formerly in Boston. The second son of Mr. Dinsmore 
was Clarence Gray Dinsmore, born August 12, 1847. He 
married Kate, daughter of Thomas Jerome and wife 
Emma Van der Bilt, April, 1876. They had no children. 
Clarence Dinsmore died in New York November 8, 1905. 

W. B. Dinsmore, 2d, had five children, three of whom 
are living: Helen Gray Dinsmore, born in Watertown, 
Mass., married June 1, 1892, at Staatsburgh, Dutchess 
County, N. Y., Robert Palmer Huntington, Jr., son 
of Robert Palmer Huntington and wife Alice Ford, of 
New York and Rhinebeck. 

William Brown Dinsmore, 3d, born November 1, 1870, 
married, in New York, June 4, 1895, Marion de Peyster 
Carey, daughter of the late George Herbert Carey and 
wife Clara Foster. 

Madeleine Ingraham Dinsmore, now (1910) living 
with her mother, in the family home at "The Locusts." 

To return to W. B. Dinsmore, Sr., he continued in the 
express business, and in 1848 the company was changed 
in form, and name, and became The Adams Express 
Co. Mr. Dinsmore then became President of the Com- 
pany, and remained so until his death. In 1854 he pur- 

295 



Biographical and Genealogical 

chased "The Locusts," from William C. Emmet, Esq., 
and later bought adjoining property and also more land 
in Staatsburgh. In 1874 Mr. Dinsmore built the present 
residence at "The Locusts." He died in New York, 
April 20, 1888. Mrs. Dinsmore died at Mentone, France, 
March 13, 1891. They were buried in the St. James 
churchyard, Hyde Park, N. Y. William B. Dinsmore, 
2d, died in Staatsburgh, March 15, 1906. 

The wife of W. B. Dinsmore, 2d, was daughter of Alvin 
Adams ( 6 Jonas, 5 Stephen, 4 Thomas, 3 Pelatiah, 2 Thomas, 
*Henry of Braintree) . Alvin Adams was born in Andover, 
Vt., June 16, 1804. He died in Watertown, Mass., Sep- 
tember 1, 1877. His father when only sixteen years of age 
was at the Battle of Bunker Hill with his brother and 
cousin, and later was severely wounded at the Battle of 
Bennington. His wife Phebe Hoar ( 5 Benjamin, benja- 
min, 3 Daniel, 2 John, Charles) was born March 1, 1765, at 
New Ipswich, Mass.; died February 26, 1813, at And- 
over, Vt. The wife of Alvin Adams, Ann Rebecca Bridge, 
was descended from the famous John Bridge, whose statue 
stands on the Common, Cambridge, Mass. Her line is 
Ann R. Bridge ( 7 John, 6 Nathaniel, 5 Nathaniel, 4 Matthew, 
3 Matthew, 2 Matthew, ^ohn of Cambridge.) Her great- 
grandfather was Captain Daniel Waters of Maiden, 
Mass. He performed brilliant services at the beginning 
of the Revolutionary War, at which time being second 
in command of the Schooner Lee (50 men and 8 guns) 
under Captain Manley. General Washington wrote, 
February 9, 1776, to John Hancock, "Capt. Waters and 
Capt. Tucker who commanded two of the armed schoon- 
ers, have taken and sent into Gloucester a large Brigan- 
teen." Capt. Waters captured the "Hope" with 1500 
barrels of powder, and valuable cargo, valued at £50,000 

296 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

sterling, and made many other captures of British trans- 
ports. Washington wrote of him in terms of high appro- 
bation and Waters received his commission as Captain 
in the U. S. Navy March 15, 1777. Mrs. Alvin Adam£ 
mother (wife of John Bridge) was Rebecca Beals ( 
uel, 4 Dr. Lazarus, 3 Lazarus, 2 Jeremiah, J John of Hingham, 
Mass.). The mother of Rebecca Beals was Rebecca 
Wilkinson, daughter of Thomas and of his wife Rebecca 
Cox of Boston. Mrs. Alvin Adams died at Watertown, 
Mass., January 10, 1882. 

William B. Dinsmore, 3d, attended St. Paul's School, 
Concord, N. H., for six years, and then went to Harvard 
College, graduating in the Class of 1893. He has three 
children: Marion Carey Dinsmore, W. B. Dinsmore, 
4th, and Clara Foster Dinsmore. 

His wife is descended from a long line of Careys as 
follows: Marion ( 8 George Herbert, 7 Samuel Thomas, 
6 John, 5 John, 4 John, 3 Francis, 2 Patrick, x Sir Henry 1st 
Viscount Falkland). Her grandfather Samuel Thomas 
Carey's wife, was Mary de Peyster ( 5 George, 4 Nicholas, 
3 William, 2 Hon. Johannes, Johannes). In this line 
Nicholas married Frances de Kay, and William, his 
father, married 4 Margaret Roosevelt ( 3 Johannes, Nich- 
olas, ^laas Martens Van Roosevelt). The deKay 
line is 5 Frances ( 4 Col. Thomas, 3 Jacobus, 2 Jacobus Thu- 
nis, William). The 2d Jacobus de Kay married 3 Sarah 
Willet ( 2 Col. Thomas, Thomas). Mrs. W. B. Dinsmore, 
3d's mother, Clara Foster, was related to many promi- 
nent New York families. Clara ( 3 Frederick, 2 Andrew, 
Mohn from Scotland). Andrew's mother was 5 Barbara 
Fairlie ( 4 John, 3 William, 2 Robert, fairlie of Fairlie, 
Ayrshire). Barbara Fairlie's mother was Lady Bar- 
bara Mure ( 4 William, 3 Sir Robert, 2 James, x Sir Robert). 

297 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Clara Foster's grandmother Foster was 4 Ann Giraud 
( 3 Frederic, 2 Pierre, ^ndre). Ann Giraud's mother was 
4 Rebekah Post ( 3 Nicholas, 2 Girard, * William). Girard 
Post's wife was Altje Van Bergen (Capt. Michel Hansen 
Van Bergen). Clara Foster's mother was 5 Emily Hone 

( 4 John, 3 John, 2 Philip, ! Hone). Emily Hone's 

mother was Marie Antoinette Kane ( 5 John, 4 John, 
3 William, 2 Donald O'Cahan, Charles O'Cahan). The 
mother of Antoinette Kane was Harriet Codwise, and 
Harriet's mother was Marie Van Rantz, whose father. 
Luke Van Rantz, married 7 Elizabeth Beekman ( 6 Lieut. 
Gerard, 5 Lieut. Gerhardus, 4 William, 3 Hendrick, 2 Gerard, 
Cornelius). In this group of Beekmans, it was the 
Hon. William who settled at Rhinebeck in 1714. 

Since the death of W. B. Dinsmore, 2d, his daughter 
Helen Huntington has purchased the estate adjoining, 
towards Rhinebeck, which was lately owned by Bishop 
Broderick. He purchased it from Miss Mary Parker, 
who bought it from the heirs of the late Major Rawlins 
Lowndes, whose wife was a sister of the late Maturin 
Livingston of Staatsburgh, and of the late Mrs. Lydig 
Hoyt, of Staatsburgh. 

HUNTINGTON GENEALOGY. Robert Palmer 
Huntington and wife, Helen Gray Dinsmore (daughter 
of the late William Brown Dinsmore, 2d), live on their 
estate called "Hopeland House," adjoining the Dinsmore 
estate on the South. Mr. Huntington is a son of the 
late Robert Palmer Huntington and wife, Alice Ford. 
At the time of his marriage to Miss Dinsmore, June 1, 
1892, his parents were living in their country house 
"Bois-Dore," at Rhinebeck. He is descended from the 
Connecticut family of that name; the first ancestor 
known of that line, at present, was Simon, who died com- 

298 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

ing to this country in 1633. His wife Margaret Barrett 
(from Norwich, England) brought her three children, and 
they lived at Saybrook, Conn. The son Simon was next 
of this line. He married at Saybrook, in 1653, Sarah, 
daughter of John Clarke. Their son, called Deacon 
Joseph, born September, 1661, in Norwich, Conn., died 
in Windham, Conn., December 29, 1747. He married, 
November 28, 1687, Rebecca Adgate (born June, 1666; 
died November 28, 1748), daughter of Deacon Thomas 
Adgate of Saybrook, Conn., who was born about 1620, 
died July, 1707; and married Mary Marvin, daughter 
of Matthew Marvin of Hartford, Conn., who came on the 
"Increase" in 1635. 

The next in line after Joseph was Nathaniel Hunting- 
ton of Windham, Conn., born in Norwich, September 1, 
1691, died in Windham, December 2, 1767, and married 
February 28, 1723, in Windham, Mehitable Thurston, 
born June 8, 1700, died October 4, 1781, in Windham. 
She was a daughter of John Thurston, of Bristol, R. I., 
but he probably moved to Windham, Conn., as his 
daughter was married there. John Thurston was son of 
Thomas of Medfield, Mass., and wife Sarah Thaxter, and 
grandson of John Thurston of Wrentham, Suffolk Co., 
England, the latter baptized January 18, 1601. He lived 
in Dedham, Mass., and died November 1, 1675, in Med- 
field, Mass. Sarah Thaxter's father was Thomas Thax- 
ter who came over in 1638, and lived in Hingham, Mass., 
and died February 14, 1654. 

Nathaniel Huntington's son, Eliphalet, is next in our 
line. He was born April 24, 1737, died June 15, 1799, in 
Windham, Conn., where he had lived. He was a brother 
of Samuel Huntington, a signer of the Declaration of 
Independence. He married, November 11, 1762, in 

299 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Windham, Dinah Rudd, born 1743, daughter of Jona- 
than Rudd, of Norwich, Conn., whose father Nathaniel 
Rudd was son of Jonathan, the first of the family to come 
to America. This emigrant settled in New Haven in 
1640, Saybrook, 1646, Hartford, 1651. He married 
1646-7. The son Nathaniel before mentioned, born 
May 22, 1684, married Rebecca Waldo (born August 6, 
1686; died September 27, 1727) on December 27, 1709, 
in Windham. She was daughter of John Waldo, son of 
Deacon Cornelius Waldo, who came from England, and 
settled at Ipswich, Mass., in 1654. Cornelius Waldo's 
wife was Hannah Cogswell, daughter of John and wife 
Eliza Thompson. Hannah was born in 1624 in West- 
bury, Leigh, County Wilts, England. John Waldo's 
wife was Rebecca Adams (died September 17, 1727, at 
Canterbury, Conn.), daughter of Samuel Adams and 
wife Rebecca Graves of Chelmsford, Mass. Samuel 
Adams was son of Henry of Braintree. 

To return to the Rudds: Jonathan, son of Nathaniel 
Rudd, was born about 1710. He married 1742, Esther, 
daughter of John Taylor, of Hadley, Mass. (who came 
over in 1662), and of his wife Mary Selden, daughter of 
Thomas Selden of Hartford, Conn., and wife Esther 
Wakeman, who was a daughter of Francis of Bewdley, 
Worcestershire, England, and wife Anne Goode (daugh- 
ter of Richard Goode). Anne and Francis Wakeman 
were married at Eastham, England. 

Eliphalet Huntington's son, Nathaniel, comes next. 
He was born in Windham, August 3, 1763; died in 
Butternuts, N. Y., 1815. He married Mary Corning 
(born May 22, 1749, living long after 1815 in Butternuts, 
N. Y.), daughter of Josiah Corning (born November 15, 
1709, died February 27, 1760) and wife Jane Andrews 

300 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

( 2 William, of Hartford, Conn., Samuel of England and 
New Haven). Jane Andrews (born 1710), daughter of 
William and wife Mary St. John ( 3 Samuel of Norwich, 
Conn., 2 Matthew, J Rev. Oliver St. John and wife, Lady 
Dorothy Rede of England). 

The son of Nathaniel and Mary Huntington was 
Elisha Mills, born March 27, 1806, at Butternuts, N. Y., 
died Oct. 26, 1862, at St. Paul, Minn. He married, 
November 3, 1841, Susan Mary Rudd (born January 8, 
1820, at Springfield, Ky., died December 3, 1853, at 
Louisville, Ky.). Elisha M. Huntington was admitted to 
the bar at the age of twenty-one, having prepared for 
college while living with his Uncle, Elisha Mills, at 
Canandaigua, N. Y. He served four years in the legis- 
lature, and was then Judge of his district. In 1842 
he was appointed, by President Tyler, District Judge 
for Indiana. After his wife's death he moved to Cannell- 
ton, Indiana, and died at St. Paul, Minn., October 26, 
1862. His wife was daughter of Dr. Christopher Rudd, 
of Maryland, and later of Danville, Ky. (where Dr. 
Rudd married Anna Benoist Palmer). Dr. Rudd's 
father was James, born about 1747, in Maryland, died 
August 9, 1809, or 1816, Washington Co., Ky. James 
Rudd was son of James, brother of the Mayor of London. 
Dr. Rudd's mother was Susannah Brooke, born 1751, 
at Marleboro, Maryland. She was a daughter of Henry 
Brooke (he was born in 1703), whose sister married 
Charles Carroll, and these latter were parents of the re- 
nowned Carroll of Carrollton, and the latter, therefore, 
was cousin of Susannah Brooke. Henry Brooke died 
1751; he was son of Clement Brooke, Sr. (Major Thom- 
as , Governor Robert 1 , born at Battle, Sussex, England, 
1602). This family of Brooke came from White Church, 

301 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Hants, England. Dr. Christopher Rudd was a success- 
ful physician of Louisville, Ky., and was several times 
member of the Kentucky Legislature. 

The Brooke family had land granted to them by the 
Crown about 1600. Clement Brooke's wife, Jane Sewall, 
was daughter of Major Nicholas Sewall (son of Henry, 
who came to America in 1660) and wife Susannah Bur- 
gess, daughter of Hon. William Burgess, of Ann Arundel 
Co., Maryland. Hon. William lived at South River, 
Maryland, and died January 24, 1686. At one time he 
commanded all the military forces of Maryland. 

To return to the wife of Dr. Christopher Rudd, Anna 
Benoist Palmer: she was daughter of Col. Robert Palmer 
and Mary Caldwell. Both the Palmer and Caldwell 
lines are as yet a little unsettled, but of the Palmer, it is 
thought the original member in this country arrived 
with a party of 180 families of French Huguenots in 
Carolina, in 1689, and settled on the Santee River, in 
St. James Parish. Palmer became a man of wealth and 
distinction in the province. He married Marianne Gen- 
dron, daughter of John Gendron, a pillar of the Huguenot 
Church at Jamestown. A son, Thomas, married three 
times, and lived on the family estate of "Gravel Hill." 
The family of Palmer were originally named Benoist 
in France, and Col. Robert Palmer's father, Col. Henry 
Palmer of Chester, S. C, married Anna Benoist, which 
name also was given to the granddaughter of Col. Henry; 
so it seems most probable this line is correct. 

In the Caldwell line, Mary, who married Col. Robert 
Palmer, belonged to Irish ancestry, and one of the line is 
supposed to have been a soldier with Oliver Cromwell 
(the mother of Cromwell was a Cauldwell). At the time 
of the Restoration of Charles II. the members of the 

302 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Caldwell family scattered, and John, David, and Andrew 
came to America. John, with other relatives who joined 
him, about 1742, made the Caldwell Settlement in 
Charlotte County, Virginia. John's son, Robert, was 
an early settler in Mercer County, Ky. He lived near 
Danville. He died in 1806. His wife was Mary Logan. 
Their daughter, Mary Caldwell, married Robert Palmer, 
who was born in South Carolina. His parents died when 
he was young, and he was educated by his grandparents. 
His parents were "people of great wealth and social 
distinction," yet the writer of the records could not 
remember the names of Robert Palmer's parents. 

We return now to the Huntington line. The next was 
the son of Judge Elisha Mills Huntington and wife Susan 
Mary Rudd. (At the time of that marriage she was the 
widow of Clark Fitzhugh.) She died in Louisville, Ky., 
Dec. 3, 1853. Robert Palmer Huntington was born 
September 7, 1842, and died at Oakland, Arkansas, May 
17, 1893, during a visit to his plantation. He was 
educated at Annapolis, but resigned from the Navy at 
the time of his marriage, on account of his health. His 
wife, Alice Ford, was daughter of James Coleman Ford, 
of Louisville, Ky., and wife, Mary Jane Trimble, daugh- 
ter of JuJgv Robert Trimble. James Coleman Ford was 
born 1798, died October 12, 1881, at Louisville, Ky. He 
was son of William Ford, and grandson of Edward Ford, 
the latter born 1738, in Prince William Co., Va., and 
died 1814. Edward Ford's wife was Elizabeth Keith, 
daughter of Rev. James William Keith, and Mary Isham 
Randolph. Mary Randolph was daughter of the famous 
Thomas Randolph of Tuckahoe, Va., born 1683 (^Wil- 
liam, Richard). Her grandfather, William Randolph, 
was born in Yorkshire, England, came over in 1674, and 

303 



Biographical and Genealogical 

lived on Turkey Island, Va. His wife was Mary Isham, 
daughter of Henry Isham of Bermuda-Hundreds, James 
River, Va. Mary Isham Randolph's husband, Rev. 
James William Keith, came to Virginia, and settled in 
Farquier County. He was a native of Scotland, and is 
thought by many to be descended from the Earl- 
Marshals Keith of Scotland. He was born in Scotland 
about 1696. It this supposition be correct, he was son 
of Thomas Keith, professor at Marischal College, Aber- 
deen, and this Thomas was son of the 10th and last 
Earl-Marshall of Scotland. The mother of James 
Coleman Ford was Mary Warfield, born Dec. 13, 1776, 
daughter of Elisha Warfield and Ruth Burgess. Elisha 
was born November 29, 1741, in Maryland, but lived later 
in Fayette County, Ky. He died July 16, 1818. He was 
son of Benjamin ( 2 John, x Richard who came to America 
in 1662 from Berkshire, England; he was born 1637; 
his wife was Elinore Browne). Benjamin Warfield's wife 
was Rebecca Ridgeley, daughter of Nicholas of "Eden 
Hill," near Dover, Delaware. Mrs. James Coleman 
Ford was Mary Jane Trimble, daughter of Judge Robert 
Trimble. He was born in 1777, or 1780, in Berkley 
County, Va. President James Madison appoint edhim 
as United States District Judge, January 31, 1817. He 
was appointed to the Supreme Bench of the United States 
in 1826 by President John Quincy Adams. He died 
August 25, 1828. His wife was Nancy Timberlake, 
daughter of Samuel Timberlake, of Virginia and Ken- 
tucky. 

Robert Palmer Huntington, 1st, had two sons, born 
in Louisville, Ky. The elder is James Coleman Ford 
Huntington, and the younger is Robert Palmer Hunting- 
ton, born January 15, 1869. The two brothers graduated 

304 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

at Yale College in 1891. Robert and his wife lived^with 
his wife's father, W. B. Dinsmore, 2d, many years, at 
"The Locusts," Staatsburgh, but in October, 1909, 
removed to "Hopeland House," on the estate Mr. and 
Mrs. Huntington purchased from Bishop Broderick, 
which had formerly belonged to Miss Mary Parker, and 
before Miss Parker had bought the house and land it 
belonged to the heirs of the widow of Major Rawlins 
Lowndes. Mrs. Lowndes was sister of the late Maturin 
Livingston, and the late Mrs. Lydig Hoyt of Staatsburgh. 

Mr. and Mrs. Huntington have three children: Helen 
Dinsmore Huntington, Alice Ford Huntington, and 
Robert Dinsmore Huntington. 

AUSTIN H. WATSON, retired dry-goods merchant 
of New York, was born at Wilmington, Vt., April 27, 
1842. His youth was uneventful and was passed on the 
farm, and in his father's mills, where he acquired those 
habits of industry which have characterized his career, 
and contributed so materially towards the success he has 
achieved. 

At the age of twenty he enlisted as a private in Co. F., 
Sixteenth Regiment, Vermont Volunteers, subsequently 
becoming orderly of the regiment. He distinguished 
himself at the Battle of Gettysburg, and in recognition 
of his gallant service Col. Veazey appointed him Quar- 
termaster Sergeant of the regiment. In August, 1863, 
he was honorably discharged. 

In 1864 Mr. Watson was appointed to a clerkship in the 
office of the Western Union Telegraph Company, at 
Rochester, N. Y., and in 1866 was made store-keeper in 
charge of the main supply depots in New York. He 
retained this position for thirteen years, and in 1879 
resigned to become junior partner of the firm of James 

305 



Biographical and Genealogical 

E. Vail, Jr. & Co., dry-goods and commission merchants 
in New York. Six years later he became the senior 
partner of the firm of Watson, Bull & Co., the business of 
which was consolidated with the notion house of Noyes, 
Smith & Co., January 1, 1897, Mr. Watson becoming the 
senior member of the new firm of Watson, Porter, Giles 
& Co., the largest house in this special line of business in 
New York. 

In 1900 Mr. Watson was appointed president of the 
New York Credit Men's Association, where he rendered 
services of the most valuable character for two terms. 
He is a member of the Board of the Shoe and Leather 
branch of the Metropolitan Bank, and of the Mutual 
Alliance Trust of New York. 

In 1879 Mr. Watson was united in marriage with Julia, 
daughter of Redelia K. and James E. Vail. They are the 
parents of two children: Everett Vail Watson, who is 
proprietor of the Fishkill Motor Car Company, at 
Fishkill Landing, N. Y., and who married Elsa Van Kirk 
Foos; and Beatrice, who married Ferdinand Augustus 
Hoyt, attorney-at-law, of Fishkill Landing, now a mem- 
ber of the Legislature, representing the First District of 
Dutchess County. 

For many years Mr. A. H. Watson resided in Stamford, 
Conn., and upon his retirement from active business, 
January, 1910, he purchased the Brinckerhoff farm known 
as "The Magnolias," in the town of Fishkill. This 
property, which is situated on the State Road two miles 
north of the village of Fishkill Landing, is one of the 
most picturesque estates overlooking the Hudson. 

ARTHUR V. ROCKWELL. The family of Rock- 
well is of Norman origin. The first of the name in 
England was Sir Ralph de Rocheville, one of the Knights 

306 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

who accompanied the Empress Maude into England 
when she claimed the throne of that realm. Sir Ralph 
ultimately joined King Henry II, and had a grant of three 
Knight fees of land in the County of York, upon which 
estate the Rockwells of Great Britain have continued up 
to the present day. 

William Rockwell, the ancestor of all of that name in 
America, was one of that association of churchmen 
organized in 1623, in Devonshire, England, "for the 
purpose of making settlements on the shores of New 
England." The vessel sailed from England March 20, 
1630, and arrived at Nantasket May 30th. William 
Rockwell was one of the deacons of the first church 
formed at Dorchester, Mass., and one of the first "three 
selectmen" of the town, and signed the first land grants. 

Deacon William Rockwell was born in 1595; married 
Susanna Chapin, born April 5, 1602. He died at New 
Windsor, Conn., May 15, 1640. His children were: 
John, born in England, April 25, 1625; Samuel, born 
Dorchester, Mass., March 28, 1631, married, April 7, 
1660, Mary Norton of Guilford, Conn.; Ruth, born 
Dorchester, August, 1633, married, October 7, 1652, 
Christopher Huntington; Joseph, born 1635. The fam- 
ily moved to Connecticut about 1636. 

Arthur V. Rockwell (deceased) was a silk manufacturer 
of Matteawan. He was born at Millbrook, New York, 
February 14, 1866, and died at his home in Glenham, 
New York, August 17, 1910; a direct descendant of 
William Rockwell, the common ancestor. He was the 
only son of Ralph Rockwell and his wife Elizabeth 
Broadhurst. His father, who was born in the town of 
South Windsor, Conn., September 27, 1837, was engaged 
in the manufacture of silk nearly all of his life, operating 

307 



Biographical and Genealogical 

mills at Yonkers, Peekskill, Poughkeepsie and Mattea- 
wan. On the maternal side the Broadhurst family was 
largely engaged in the silk business, and John Broad- 
hurst, Mrs. Ralph Rockwell's father, wove the first piece 
of broad silk goods made in America. It was therefore 
quite natural that our subject after finishing his studies 
at Eastman Business College should embark in the same 
line of trade as his ancestors. He entered the employ of 
his father, who was then operating the celebrated "Red 
Mills" of Poughkeepsie, and in 1892 purchased the inter- 
ests of John Cummings, who with Ralph Rockwell es- 
tablished a plant at Matteawan. Following the death 
of his father, December 27, 1903, he purchased what was 
known as the Ben Hall mill, at Matteawan, and estab- 
lished a "silk throwing" factory, which gave employment 
to between sixty and seventy-five people. He con- 
ducted this plant with marked success up to the time of 
his death. 

In 1888 Mr. Rockwell married Susie, daughter of 
William H. and Anna C. (Brevoort) Van Dyne, of 
Poughkeepsie, who survives him. Mrs. Rockwell is of 
Holland descent, and on the paternal side the Van Dyne 
family has been connected with the history of Dutchess 
County for several generations. Of the maternal ances- 
tors the grandfather, Benjamine Brevoort, was a resident 
of Fishkill, and the family later occupied a prominent 
place in the history of New York City. 

In social life Mr. Rockwell was a member of the 
Matteawan Club; the Hudson River Lodge No. 57 
K. of P.; Beacon Blue Lodge, No. 283, F. & A. M.; the 
Elks, of Newburgh, and held the position of first president 
of the Beacon Engine Company of Matteawan, and was 

308 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

an honorary member of all the Fire Companies of the 
town of Fishkill. Politically he was a Republican. 

GEORGE WASHINGTON BEACH. When a man 
retires from active business life at the age of fifty-three 
years he doubtless realizes a satisfaction for the industry, 
energy and economy exercised in the prime of manhood. 
Such is the career of George W. Beach, one of the sub- 
stantial citizens of Fishkill-on-Hudson, N. Y. 

Mr. Beach was born in the village of Matteawan, N. Y., 
January 31, 1835, a son of Benjamin H. and Abigail 
(Briggs) Beach, and grandson of Titus (son of Rev. 
Benjamin Beach, a resident of North Haven, Conn.) and 
Elenear (Haynor) Beach. Titus Beach died September 
26, 1855, aged 79 years, and Elenear (Haynor) Beach, 
his wife, died January 14, 1874, aged 87 years. 

Abigail, his mother, was a daughter of Caleb and Phoebe 
(Van Tassel) Briggs. Claeb died April 1, 1828, aged 64 
years. Phoebe died October 31, 1863, aged 89 years. 

Mr. Beach acquired his education at the public schools 
of his native place, and at the Academy in Fishkill vil- 
lage. He then decided to learn the machinists trade, 
and after serving part of his apprenticeship in Mattea- 
wan, he became connected with the Fishkill Machine 
Company, where he remained until 1871. He then 
removed to Yonkers, N. Y., to accept a position as chief 
engineer of the Waring Hat Co. He later became a 
member of the firm of the Yonkers Hat Company, and 
also filled the position of chief engineer of this plant. In 
1888, Mr. Beach having accumulated a competence, 
concluded to retire from active business life. He then 
returned to Fishkill-on-Hudson, where he has since 
made his home. 

309 



Biographical and Genealogical 

In public life he has served as a trustee of this village 
for a period of five years, and has been a member of the 
Board of Education since 1890. Mr. Beach is also a 
trustee of the Mechanics Savings Bank of Fishkill 
Landing, and in his younger days was identified with the 
old Dennings Guard. 

In 1856 Mr. Beach was united in marriage with Phoebe 
E. Briggs, of New York, daughter of Jonathan and Maria 
Briggs. 

Mr. and Mrs. Beach have travelled extensively, 
touring Mexico, the Pacific Coast and the Bahamas. 

In appreciation of his public service, and as a token 
of esteem, Mr. Beach was tendered a banquet by his 
fellow citizens at the Holland House, Matteawan, Feb- 
ruary 22d, 1910. 

HERRICK LINEAGE. The American ancestry in 
the male line of Timothy Herrick of Staatsburgh, Dutch- 
ess county, N. Y., is traced to Henry Herrick, who was 
born in England in 1604, the sixth child of Sir William 
Herrick, a famous London merchant, residing at Beau 
Manor Park, County of Leicester, England. 

I. Henry Herrick (or, Henry of Salem, as he was 
subsequently known) came first to Virginia, and later 
removed to Salem, Mass., where he and his wife (Editha 
Laskin) were among the thirty persons who founded the 
First Church in Salem, in 1629. They became the 
parents of the following children : 

Thomas, whose birth is not recorded, married Hannan 
Ordway; died without issue. 

2 Zacharie, baptized December 25, 1636. 

3 Ephriam, baptized February 11, 1638. 

4 Henry, baptized January 16, 1640. 

5 Joseph, baptized August 6, 1645. 

310 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

6 Elizabeth, baptized July 4, 1647. 

7 John, baptized May 25, 1650. 

8 Benjamin, no record; died without issue, about 1677. 

II. Joseph (Henry 1 ) of Cherry Hill, Salem, Mass., 
was for four years a Representative to the General Court 
from Beverly. He was thrice married. By his first 
wife, Sarah, daughter of Richard Leach, of Salem, whom 
he married February 7, 1666, he had four children — 
Joseph, Benjamin, John and Sarah. The third son, 
John, is the direct ancestor of the subject of this research. 
His second wife was Mary Endicott of Salem, whom he 
married in 1677, and by whom he had nine children. He 
married, thirdly, June 28, 1707, Mary, widow of Captain 
George March, of Newbury, Mass., who survived him. 
He died February 4, 1717. 

III. John (Joseph 2 , Henry 1 ) was born January 25, 
1670, and died at Salem in 1742. His farm was at Wen- 
ham, Mass. He married Ann, daughter of Deacon 
Peter Woodbury, and granddaughter of John Woodbury, 
who was a first settler at Cape Ann in 1624. Their 
children were Zachariah, Josiah (died in infancy), John, 
Josiah, Sarah, Anna, Jerusha, and Lois. The fourth son, 
Josiah, continues the line of this branch of the Herrick 
family. 

IV. Josiah (John 3 , Joseph 2 , Henry 1 ) was born Feb- 
ruary 6, 1704, and died at Wenham, Mass., May 14, 1772. 
He married, November 2, 1725, Joanna Dodge, of Bev- 
erly, Mass., who died August 27, 1755. Their children 
were Sarah, John, Josiah, Zachariah, Daniel, Joanna, 
Anna, Mary, David, Joshua. The third child, Josiah, 
continues this line. 

V. Josiah (Josiah 4 , John 3 , Joseph 2 , Henry 1 ) was born 
November 10, 1733, and died in April, 1799. He settled 

311 



Biographical and Genealogical 

in Amherst, Hillsborough C» inty, N. H. By his wife, 
Mary Low, of Ipswich, Mass., the following children 
were born : Mary, Joanna, Josiah, Lydia, William, Eliza- 
beth, Daniel L., Jonathan, Joseph, Sarah and Hannah. 

VI. Joseph (Josiah 5 , Josiah 4 , John 3 , Joseph 2 , 
Henry 1 ), the ninth child of Josiah and Mary (Low) Her- 
rick, was born November 3, 1775, and died June 18, 1833, 
at Antrim, N. H. He was a carpenter by trade. He 
married, April 18, 1805, Mary Cox, who was born 
November 21, 1783, in Beverly, Mass., and died July 18, 
1848. Their children were Joseph, William Cox, Sarah 
Batchelder, Nathaniel Brown, Samuel Dinsmore, Josiah, 
John White, Charles, and Harriet Eliza. 

VII. Nathaniel Brown (Joseph 6 , Josiah 5 , Josiah 4 , 
John 3 , Joseph 2 , Henry 1 ) was born at Beverly, 
Mass., x\pril 23, 1813, and died at Antrim, N. H., Sep- 
tember 1, 1877. October 6, 1835, he married Elvira 
Simonds, of Antrim, N. H., who was born October 19, 
1816, and died April 1, 1904. Their children were 
Timothy, born in Antrim, N. H., October 19, 1836; 
Almena, born in Antrim, November, 1838, died July 20, 
1847; Clementine, born in Antrim, July 18, 1840; and 
Luella Laurertte, born in Windsor, N. H., December 
22, 1850. 

VIII. Timothy (Nathaniel B. 7 , Joseph 6 , Josiah 5 , 
Josiah 4 , John 3 , Joseph 2 , Henry 1 ), born at Antrim, N. H., 
October 19, 1836, removed to Staatsburgh, Dutchess 
county, N. Y., April 2, 1857. October 2, 1858, he 
married Elizabeth, daughter of John Muldoon, of New 
York City, and the following children were born : George 
Augustus, born July 20, 1859; Mary Elizabeth, born 
July 16, 1861; William Elmer, born February 10, 1863, 
died July 26, 1863; Luella Jane, born August 26, 1864; 

312 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

John James, born April 5, 1866; Albert Elmer, born 
January 19, 1869. 

For over half a century Timothy Herrick has been 
superintendent of "The Locusts," the estate of William 
B. Dinsmore, in the town of Hyde Park. 

SETH SECOR. The family of which Mr. Secor was 
a descendant comes of French Huguenot stock, the 
original name being Sicard. They left France and went 
to England where they remained until 1684, when one of 
their number, Ambroise Sicard, came to America and 
stopped for a time in New York. In 1692 he took up 
land at New Rochelle and settled there. He had three 
sons, Ambroise, Jr., James and Daniel; the latter 
married Susan Soulice, and their son Isaac who married 
Catherine La Count were the parents of Alexander Secor, 
the original member of the family to settle in Putnam 
county. 

Alexander Secor married Miss Sarah Scofield, a native 
of Westchester county, and the couple came to Putnam 
county in 1800. Seven children were born to them, as 
follows: Seth, Justus, Elias, Alfred, Anna, Alexander 
and Deborah. Anna married Hustis Wood of Putnam 
county and Deborah married Luke Wood of the same 
county. Elias removed to Iowa, and Alexander located 
at Eddyville, Ulster county, N. Y., near the place where 
his descendants now live. 

Alfred, the father of Seth Secor, was born at the Secor 
homestead in 1809. In 1838 he married Cornelia 
daughter of Jordan Springer, of Putnam county. He 
became prominent in political and business affairs, in 
which he was associated with his brother Justus. For 
many years they were engaged in the grocery business, 
on Main street, Cold Spring. 

313 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Mr. Seth Secor was born July 13, 1839, in the old home 
on the place which was then known as the Secor farm, 
now owned by the widow of General Butterfield. At 
the age of fifteen he obtained a position as clerk in the 
grocery store of A. Merrick & Co. and about a year later 
entered the employment of the firm of Alfred & Justus 
Secor, who in 1847 had acquired the business of Merrick 
& Co. November 10, 1859, in company with Harrison 
Secor, he purchased this business. The partnership 
lasted for a year, when he bought the interest of Harrison 
Secor, and up to the time of his death, March 12, 1909, 
conducted the business as sole proprietor and with 
marked success. 

April 16, 1863, Mr. Secor married Emily, daughter of 
Solomon Bronson, a native of Connecticut, and of Eliza- 
beth Nichols, who was born in the town of Kent, Putnam 
county. Three children were born to them — Etta and 
Alfred, deceased, and Cornelia, widow of the late P. C. 
Reilley. 

Mr. Secor was keenly interested in the religious, po- 
litical, social and fraternal life of the community. He 
was a Republican in politics, and in 1884 was elected Su- 
pervisor, holding the position for four years consecutively. 
He had also served as Town Clerk, Member of the Board 
of Education, Trustee and President of the Village of Cold 
Spring, Secretary of the Board of Water Commissioners, 
Vice-President of the Board of Trustees of the Methodist 
Church, a Director of the Cold Spring National Bank, and 
Treasurer of the local Fire Company from its organiza- 
tion in 1896. 

He was a member of Philipstown Lodge, No. 236, 
F. & A. M. 

314 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

His death deprived the Village of Cold Spring of one of 
its most honored citizens, whose life is a monument to the 
virtue of honor, integrity and clean living. 

JOSEPH N. BADEAU, of Matteawan, N. Y., is a 
lineal descendant of Elias Badeau, a worthy Huguenot, 
who, with many others, fled from La Rochelle, France, 
following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, and 
founded New Rochelle, N. Y. 

The earliest record of this family in America appears 
in the purchase of 120 acres of land in Westchester 
county by Elias Badeau in 1708. 

John Badeau, b. 1700, d. 1787, the son of Elias, came 
from New Rochelle with his son Peter, b. 1728, d. 1816, 
and settled at Red Mills, Putnam county, in 1775. 
Here they held a farm on the Roger Morris lot until 
after the Revolution. In 1782 John Hathorn and 
Samuel Dodge, commissioners of forfeiture, sold to 
Peter Badeau the farm which he then held. 

Peter Badeau, who died August 9, 1816, had early in 
life married Catherine Coutant, also of Huguenot ances- 
try. Their children were: Peter, born in 1749, removed 
to Albany, N. Y.; Isaac, born May 13, 1750, died in 
1842; John, born 1752, lived near Peekskill; Elias, 
born 1755, lived at Troy, N. Y.; Jacob, born 1757, lived 
in Westchester county; Catherine, born 1759, married 
Isaac Heroy; James, born 1761, died young; Magdalen, 
born 1763, married James Heroy; David, born 1765, 
died young; William, born 1767, died in 1860, at Port 
Byron, N. Y.; Isaiah, born 1770, resided in New York 
City. 

Isaac Badeau, the second son of above parentage, also 
married a Coutant, namely: Susan, daughter of Henry 
Coutant of New Rochelle, and of the nine children born 

315 



Biographical and Genealogical 

to them, Isaac Badeau, Jr., the eighth in order of birth, 
was the father of the subject of this sketch. He was 
bom March 17, 1795, and died October 14, 1866. He 
married, March 11, 182-2, Elizabeth Hart of Mahopac 
Falls, N. Y., and the following children were born: 
Gilbert H. (deceased); William H. (deceased); Matilda 
S., now Mrs. Peter A. Robinson, and Joseph N. In 
1845 the family removed to Fishkill, Dutchess countv. 

The other eight children of Isaac and Susan (Coutant) 
Badeau, were: Peter, b. 1776, d. 1864, married Hannah 
Harden; Henry, b. 1778, d. 1868, married Elizabeth 
Coutant, b. 1786, d. 1865; William, b. 1780, d. 1826. He 
was the grandfather of Gen. Adam Badeau. Isaac (1) 
died young; Gilbert, b. 1785, d. 1867, married Elizabeth 
Pine; Elias, b. 1789, died young; Fanny, b. 1791, d. 
1840; John, 1797, d. 1845, unmarried. 

Joseph N. Badeau, the present representative of the 
family, was born at Red Mills, Putnam county, December 
2, 1837. After finishing his education at the public 
schools in Fishkill he served his apprenticeship as a pat- 
tern-maker with the Fishkill Landing and Machine Com- 
pany, being subsequently promoted to foreman of that 
department. He remained with the concern for a period 
of fifty-four years, resigning his position in the spring 
of 1911. 

In church affiliation Mr. Badeau is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church of Matteawan, and has served as 
elder for fortv-four vears. 

September 28, 1863, he was united in marriage with 
Wilhelmina Nelson Brown (b. July 8, 1840, d. Sept. 
12, 1904), daughter of James and Margaret (Scott) Brown 
of Orange County, Florida. Issue: Margaret Scott, 
b. Dec. 1, 1864, d. June 20, 1867; Elizabeth Hart, b. April 

316 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

1, 1867; Harriet Brown, b. Sept. 20, 1869; Wilhelmina 
Howland, b. June 3, 1872, d. Dec. 20, 1899; Fanny 
Masters, b. Dec. 23, 1874; George Scott, b. May 23, 
1877, d. May 8, 1903; Josephine Edgerton, b. Dec. 9, 
1878. 

Continuing the J. N. Badeau line of descent, Eliza- 
beth Hart married Sept. 16, 1885, Dr. Arthur R. Teal. 
Issue: Arthur D., b. Jan. 22, 1887; Wilhelmina B., b. 
April 26, 1889, died in infancy; Margaret Scott, b. Feb. 4, 
1893, died in infancy; Helen Josephine, b. July 22, 1895; 
Francis William, b. Sept. 15, 1897, died in infancy; 
George Walter, b. May 18, 1899; Margaret Elizabeth, b. 
Feb. 16, 1901, died in infancy; Elizabeth B., b. Oct. 14, 
1903; Catherine Brown and Winifred Rogers, twins, b. 
Aug. 28, 1906, the former dying in infancy. 

Harriet Brown married Sept. 7, 1898, George Childres 
Dortch. Issue: Dorothy Howland, b. Dec. 6, 1899. 

Fanny Masters married June 27, 1900, La Tourette 
D. Brinckerhoff. Issue: Theodore, b. May 13, 1901; 
Harriet, b. April 15, 1903; Ten Eyck, b. Nov. 6, 1905; 
Wilhelmina, b. Nov. 18, 1907. 

Josephine Edgerton, married May 30, 1903, Charles 
0. Terwilliger. Issue: James Ostrander, b. Oct. 25, 1904 
died in infancy; Ann Cold well, b. Oct. 10, 1906; Charles 
Ostrander, b. March 23, 1908. 

GEORGE C. SMITH was born in Shrub Oak, West- 
chester county, N. Y., in 1840, a son of Leonard and 
Mary (Carpenter) Smith. His father was a farmer 
there, and afterwards pursued that occupation in the 
town of Fishkill. He was also Deputy Sheriff for 
Westchester county. 

When quite a young man George C. Smith went to 
Brooklyn, where he acted as clerk in a grocery store for 

317 



Biographical and Genealogical 

some time, afterwards serving in that capacity for the old 
firm of William Teller & Co. In 1861 Mr. Smith entered 
the employ of the New York Rubber Company. He 
worked his way up while there until he became Super- 
intendent, a position held by him for many years and up 
to the time of his death. 

Mr. Smith was a member of the Reformed Church of 
Fishkill Landing and held the office of Deacon. He was 
also a member of Beacon Lodge, F. & A. M., an honorary 
member of Lewis Tompkins Hose Company, and was one 
of the charter members of the old Dennings Guard. He 
was a trustee of the Mechanics Savings Bank, had 
served as president and trustee of the village of Fishkill 
Landing, and had been a member of the sewer board. 

In 1861 Mr. Smith was united in marriage with Elsie 
M. Bishop, daughter of Miles and Cynthia (Ives) Bishop, 
of Connecticut, and to them was born one son, Walter, 
who died in early manhood. Mr. Smith died July 19, 
1907, and left surviving him, his wife, two brothers and 
one sister: Ferdinand, of New York; Leonard, of 
Matteawan; and Mrs. Charles E. Martin, of Fishkill 
Landing. 

ADOLPH G. HUPFEL, of "Echodale," a charming 
country estate in the town of East Fishkill, Dutchess 
county, was born August 12, 1845, in Orange county, 
N. Y., the son of Adolph and Catherine (Glaser) Hupfel, 
the former a native of Neviges, Prussia, the latter of Hol- 
land birth. 

His parents resided in New York until 1843, when they 
removed to Orange county, where the father engaged in 
the manufacture of fishing rods, which he continued until 
his death in 1849, His widow conducted the business 
about three years, and then married Anton Hupfel, 

318 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

who took it in charge, continuing the same until 1854, 
when he associated hmself with Roemelt and Assheimer 
in the brewery business at Nos. 223, 229, East 38th 
street, New York. In 1858 he bought out his partners 
and carried on the business alone until his retirement in 
1873, his two stepsons, Adolph G. and John C. G. Hupfel 
taking the place in partnership under the firm name of A. 
Hupfel's Sons. 

Adolph G. Hupfel was educated at public and private 
schools, and began business life at the foot of the ladder, 
thoroughly learning the brewery business in all its de- 
tails; and the extensive trade built up by this firm is 
largely due to his energy and perseverance. He retired 
from active business life in 1906. 

On April 11, 1870, Mr. Hupfel married Miss Catherine 
Kuntz of New York City, who died in February, 1871, 
with her only child. Mr. Hupfel married her sister, 
Miss Magdalen Kuntz, by whom he has had five chil- 
dren: Katherine G.; Adolph G. Jr., (who married Lottie 
Johnson of Virginia, and they are the parents of a daugh- 
ter, Virginia); Francis (deceased); Antionette G.; and 
Otto G., who married Anna Mott of Watervliet, N. Y., 
they are the parents of two children: Magdalen and 
Walter. 

March 15, 1884, Mr. Hupfel purchased from Has- 
brouck Dubois 202 acres of farm land in the town of East 
Fishkill, near Brinckerhoff, and he subsequently ac- 
quired an additional 31 acres About 150 acres of the 
farm are under cultivation, some twenty of which is 
devoted to fruit There were no improvements of any 
kind on the property at the time of Mr. Hupfel's pur- 
chase, and he has spent many thousands of dollars in 
bringing it up to its present state of perfection. Nature 

319 



Biographical and Genealogical 

did much for it, and "Echodale" ranks among the show 
places of Dutchess county. 

THE FARRINGTON FAMILY. The family of 
Farrington, of which the late William R. Farrington is a 
descendant, are of Shaw Hall, Lancashire, England. The 
Farringtons of Farrington Wearden and Shaw Hall, all 
in the parish of Leyland and County Palatine of Lan- 
caster, arose at the time of the Conquest and have since 
preserved an uninterrupted male succession. They 
resided at Farrington as recently as the time of Eliza- 
beth, and continued at Wearden until the close of the 
Sixteenth Century, when they removed to Shaw Hall. 
The Manor of Leyland was held by them of King 
Edward the Confessor, and the men of the Manor, which 
was of a superior order, as well as those of Salford, en- 
joyed the privilege of attending to their own harvest 
instead of the King's. 

According to Thompson's History of Long Island, one 
Edmund Farrington with a number of others embarked 
from Lynn, Mass., in a vessel with a Captain Howe, on or 
about the 16th of May, 1640, and arrived at Cow Bay, 
Long Island, where they purchased from the Indians 
from the Eastern part of Oyster to Cow Bays, and where 
they were dispossessed by the Dutch Governor Kieft 
on the 19th of May, 1640. This Farrington originally 
came from Southampton, England. He with the others 
afterwards bought Agawam of the Indians, a tract about 
twenty miles long and six miles wide, and made a settle- 
ment which he called Southampton. 

Edmund Farrington returned to Lynn, Mass., and in 
1655 built a mill there. He died in 1680 at the age of 
eighty-eight years. He had two sons, namely, Thomas 
and Edmund Farrington who remained on Long Island. 

320 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Thomas Farrington in 1645 was one of the patentees of 
Flushing, N. Y., and his brother Edmund was a magis- 
trate in 1657. The latter had a son named John Mast in 
Farrington. Thomas Farrington, as shown on the East 
Chester town records, was one of their descendants. He 
removed from Flushing to East Chester about the year 
1750 and became one of the purchasers of Long Beach 
and founder of the town. Thomas settled in Yonkers, 
afterward removing to Hunt's Bridge and from there to 
Long Beach. A great number of the descendants of 
Thomas Farrington reside in Dutchess and Westchester 
counties and in the city of New York. 

William R. Farrington was born in Pleasant Valley, 
N. Y., April 28, 1831. He was a son of George W. Far- 
rington, one of the owners of a cotton mill at Pleasant 
Valley, and a grandson of Timothy Farrington, who 
was a Quaker preacher, and conducted a saw mill at 
Pleasant Valley. He came to Poughkeepsie in 1849 to 
accept a position in a china store kept by George W. 
Farrington, who, however, was not a relative. He re- 
mained here for several years and in 1859 went to Europe 
as the agent of the celebrated china house of E. V. 
Haughwout & Company of New York. His head- 
quarters were at Paris and he had full charge of the 
branch house there, which in 1866 became Haughwout 
& Farrington. W T hile abroad he married Miss Eleanor 
Daly of Brooklyn. 

In 1877, desiring to engage in business for himself, he 
returned to Poughkeepsie, to the store at 266 Main street, 
where he started as a boy, and engaged in the china 
business, in which he continued to the time of his death, 
March 8, 1910. 

321 



Biographical and Genealogical 

In 1888, Mr. Farrington chose for his second wife 
Miss Mary Elizabeth Goodsell, daughter of Charles 
Henry Goodsell of Cold Spring, Putnam County, New 
York. Mr. and Mrs. Farrington had no children and 
Miss Mabel G., daughter of Benjamin Goodsell and 
niece of Mrs. Farrington, was adopted, and survives her 
foster parents. 

DANIEL W. WILBUR, of Poughkeepsie, is the 
ninth generation in descent of Samuel Wildbore, who 
was living in America in 1633, and who was admitted 
to the First Church of Boston, December 1st of that 
year. He had married in England, Ann Bradford, the 
daughter of Thomas Bradford, of Doncaster, in Yorke 
countv. 

I. Samuel Wildbore became the owner of considerable 
property in Boston and Taunton, Mass. In November, 
1637, he was one of a party that was banished from the 
colony on account of religious views, and fled to Provi- 
dence, R. I. In 1645 he returned to Boston, and later 
built an iron furnace at Taunton, the first in New Eng- 
land. His second wife was Elizabeth Lechford, but the 
date of the death of his wife Ann, likewise the date of his 
subsequent marriage, are not of record. He died July 
24, 1656, and his will was probated November 6th of the 
same year. Of the four sons born by his first wife, 
William, the third in order of birth, is the direct ancestor 
of Mr. Wilbur of Poughkeepsie. 

II. W T illiam was born in 1630, and died in 1710. He 

married Martha in 1653. They settled at 

Little Compton, R. I., about 1654. They had ten 
children, of whom the seventh, Samuel, continues this 
line. 

322 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

III. Samuel was born in 1664 and died in 1740. He 
married, in 1689, Mary, daughter of Nathaniel and 
Elizabeth (Stokes) Potter, and their second child, whose 
name was Samuel, continues the fourth generation. 

IV. Samuel was born November 7, 1692, and died 
April 28, 1752. He married Elizabeth Carr, December 
24, 1713. They were the parents of thirteen children, 
of whom Esek was the ninth in order of birth. 

V. Esek Wilbur was born December 22, 1728, and 
died in 1781. He was one of the early settlers on the 
Little Nine Partners' Patent. His first wife, Rachel 
Gifford, he married February 7, 1751. She died in 1763. 
His second wife was Rebecca Tabor, whom he married 
March 7, 1765. It is the fourth child, Jeptha, by his 
first wife, who continues the next generation. 

VI. Jeptha Wilbur was born January 18, 1759, and 
died in 1843. In 1780 he married Elizabeth, daughter of 
Ephriam Mosher. This couple were also the parents 
of thirteen children, of whom Samuel was the third in 
order of birth. 

VII. Samuel Wilbur was born in what is now the town 
of Milan, Dutchess county, May 7, 1785, and died 
November 6, 1826. He was an active supporter of the old 
Whig party and well known throughout the county. 
Most of his life was spent in farming in Pine Plains. In 
1805 he married Betsey, daughter of Benjamin Hicks. 
She was born October 5, 1786, and died November 26, 
1881. Jeptha S. was the sixth of their eight children. 

VIII. Jeptha S. Wilbur was born in Pine Plains, Oc- 
tober 29, 1817. He chose the occupation of his father 
and continued on the farm in his native town up to the 
time of his death, September 21, 1885. In 1847 he mar- 

323 



Biographical and Genealogical 

ried Mary Jane, daughter of Rowland and Polly- Story. 
She was born May 11, 1823, and died September 3, 1903. 

IX. Five children were born in Pine Plains to Jeptha 
S. and Mary Jane Story Wilbur, as follows: Legrande B., 
born July 14, 1848, died April 2, 1851; Mary Elizabeth, 
born May 24, 1851, died March 12, 1898; Leander J., 
born May 23, 1854, married June, 1884, Julia Husted; 
Daniel W., born January 18, 1857, married November 
16, 1881, Mary Gifford, daughter of Henry H. and Ann 
Eliza (Gifford) Conklin of Red Hook. She was born 
April 7, 1857; Minnie Ruth, born September 3, 1861, 
died March 23, 1907. 

Daniel W. Wilbur completed his schooling at the 
DeGarmo Institute, Rhinebeck, and on his return to 
Pine Plains assisted in the cultivation of the homestead 
farm until he reached the age of twenty-five, when he 
removed to Red Hook and entered into the coal and 
lumber business with his father-in-law, under the firm 
name of H. H. Conklin & Co., which was continued until 
the death of the senior partner, August 1, 1883. Mr. 
Wilbur conducted the business as sole owner until 1901, 
when he disposed of it. In the meantime he had removed 
to Poughkeepsie, where, in 1895, he had purchased the 
coal business of William H. Sheldon to which he added, 
in 1901, his present extensive lumber yard, the business 
being conducted under the name of Wilbur Company. 

In 1905 Mr. Wilbur became interested in the ice 
business and in 1907 erected the ice plant and commo- 
dious warerooms of the Hygeia Ice and Cold Storage Co. 
This ice, which is distributed to thousands of homes in 
Poughkeepsie and vicinity, is made from distilled and 
filtered water, thus insuring absolute freedom from filth 
and germs. 

324 




WILLIAM CROUSE 



' 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

The home of Mr. Wilbur at Hillcrest Park, overlooking 
the Hudson, is one of the most picturesque spots in the 
immediate vicinity of Poughkeepsie. The house was 
built in 1867 and was originally the property of Con- 
gressman Stephen Baker. For many years it was the 
residence of Dr. McCormick, and was purchased by 
Mr. Wilbur in 1903. Here amidst some twenty-five 
acres of ground he has developed a charming residential 
section, on which have been erected several substantial 
homes, which combine city conveniences with country 
air and scenery. 

Politically Mr. Wilbur adheres to the principles of the 
Republican party, but he has never sought, nor would he 
accept public office, firmly believing that his services 
to his native county and adopted city are more effective 
by devoting his entire attention to his various com- 
mercial and industrial enterprises. 

GEORGE MADISON, senior member of the firm of 
Madison and Osborne, paper box manufacturers, Pough- 
keepsie, N. Y. was born near the city of Manchester, 
England, September 7, 1850. 

He is the son of Henry and Ann (Gowshall) 
Madison who came to America in 1851, when George 
was but an infant of eight months. They settled at 
West Bloomfield, N. J., but shortly thereafter removed 
to Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin, where George received his 
primary education. Ill-health on the part of the father 
compelled the family to return to Bloomfield (now Mont- 
clair), N. J., and it was here that the subject of this sketch 
learned the box-making trade, later engaging in the 
manufacture of boxes at that place. Mr. Madison 
admits that his first business venture, which was a 
partnership affair, was not successful, and in 1880 he 

325 



Biographical and Genealogical 

came to Poughkeepsie to manufacture boxes for Smith 
& Gates. Mr. Gates later established a box factory, 
which Mr. Madison purchased from him in 1883, and 
continued in the business alone for about five years. 

In 1889 he formed a partnership with James B. Os- 
borne, the plant being located at 389 Mill street, and in 
1904 the present modern structure at the corner of Main 
and Palmer streets was erected, and occupied by the 
firm in July of same year. This building is of three story 
brick, 90 foot front by 138 feet deep. Employment is 
given to some forty-five persons, and the product is 
entirely utilized in Poughkeepsie. 

Politically Mr. Madison is a Republican, and has served 
two terms as Alderman of the seventh ward. He is 
prominently identified with the Red Men, in which he 
has taken all the chairs including that of District Deputy. 
He was the first presiding officer of Lodge No. 438 of this 
organization. He is also a member of the Odd Fellows; 
No. 2 Engine Company, and the Veteran Fireman's 
Association. 

In 1874 Mr. Madison married Elizabeth Mellor, a native 
of Yorkshire, England, who died in 1900. Five children 
were born to them as follows, — John H., born April 26, 
1876, now superintendent of the plant of Madison and 
Osborne. He married Mary F. Horton and they have 
one child, Florence; Mary A., who married Harry 
Duntz, and are the parents of two children, Harold and 
Ruth; William A., who married Edith Willoughby, and is 
foreman of the Auto Club of America. Lilie L. married 
Daniel Applebee, no children. Wilson M. (single). 

JAMES B. OSBORNE, of the firm of Madison & 
Osborne, is a son of Obadiah C. Osborne. His mother was 



326 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Sarah Ann, daughter of Jordon Lee. His parents were 
natives of Poughkeepsie. On the paternal side, his 
grandfather, Robert C. Osborne, was born in New York 
City and married Catherine VanVlack. His great- 
grandfather, Dennis Osborne, was a soldier in the 
Revolutionary War and was killed in the struggle for 
American Independence. 

James B. was born in the town of Poughkeepsie, 
October 3d, 1841 and his entire life has been spent in 
Dutchess county. He attended the schools of Pough- 
keepsie, Fishkill and Pawling, and it was in the latter 
village that he learned the carriage making trade, which 
he followed for a period of thirty years. For seventeen 
years he was engaged in the furniture business in Pough- 
keepsie and in 1889 he became associated with Mr. 
George Madison in the manufacture of paper boxes, the 
partnership continuing with marked success up to the 
present time. 

In public life Mr. Osborne has always taken an active 
interest in the affairs of Poughkeepsie and Dutchess 
county, and has served for six years as a member of the 
Board of Supervisors, representing the seventh ward. He 
is a firm believer in the principles of the Republican party. 

In fraternal circles Mr. Osborne is a member of the 
Elks, Odd Fellows, and of the Grand Army of the Re- 
public, enlisting in the support of the Union cause in 
1863. He has been a member of Phoenix Hose Company 
since 1897, and is now President of the Veteran Fire- 
men's Association. 

Mr. Osborne has been twice married. By his first 
wife, who was Miss Elizabeth Smithson, he has one 
daughter, now Mrs. Bertha Lee Begg. For his second 
wife he chose Mary Isabella Hoffman, a native of 

327 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Brooklyn, and they are the parents of two sons, Fred B., 
who is associated with his father in the box making 
business and Raymond, a draughtsman, of Poughkeepsie. 

It is interesting to note that Messrs. Madison and 
Osborne have each a son connected with their manufac- 
turing plant to carry on its affairs when the active labors 
of the present members of the firm have ceased. 

JOHN ORGAN WIXOM of the firm of Wixom & 
Townsend, groceries and provisions, of Matteawan, was 
born at Kent, Putnam County, N. Y., November 2, 
1862. His earliest American ancestor was Shubael 
Wixsom, one of three brothers who came from Scotland 
to Cape Cod about the middle of the eighteenth century 
and thence journeyed to Kent, Dutchess county, N. Y., 
where he purchased a farm from the commissioners of 
forfeiture in 1782. 

Elijah 2 Wixom, son of Shubael, was the great grand- 
father of John O. Wixom. His son Elijah 3 married 
Hannah Robinson. Their son Charles 4 married Miriam, 
daughter of Knowlton and Fanetta (Hazleton) Barrett. 
They were the parents of seven children, of whom two 
died in infancy. Those who attained maturity were 
Elijah K., Edwin C, Russell B., John O. and Cynthia F. 
The widow of Charles Wixom still lives at the old home- 
stead on the farm near Ludingtonville. 

John O. Wixom as a boy worked on the farm and 
attended the public schools of his native place until he 
was sixteen years old, when he began business life as a 
clerk in the general store of R. R. Meade, at Pecksville, 
Dutchess County, where he remained for eighteen months. 
He then spent ten years in the general stores of S. G. & 
J. T. Smith of Matteawan and Fishkill Landing, where 
he received valuable training and the most thorough 

328 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

preparation for his own mercantile career. Capable 
and of exemplary habits Mr. Wixom not only was fitted 
by experience, but had saved the capital necessary to 
enable him to engage in business on his own account. 
January 1, 1890, Mr. Wixom bought the interest of 
Peter D. Holmes in the grocery firm of Holmes and 
Townsend, and for more than twenty years this partner- 
ship of Wixom & Townsend has continued. 

Mr. Wixom is interested in church, social and fra- 
ternal affairs. He is a member of the official board of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church at Matteawan. In 
politics he is a Republican. He is a trustee of the vil- 
lage, a director of the Matteawan Savings Bank, a 
member of the Chamber of Commerce, of the Matteawan 
Club, of the Dutchess County Society, of Beacon Lodge 
No. 283, F. & A. M., of Highland Chapter, R. A. M., of 
Hudson River Commandery^of Newburgh, and of Mecca 
Temple of the Mystic Shrine of New York City. 

On January 19, 1887, J. O. Wixom married Jennie, 
daughter of Theodorus and Deborah (Lockwood) Haight 
of Dutchess County, and they have one child, Ruth A., 
who was born in 1892. 

ZABRISKIE. The founder of the Zabriskie family 
in America was Albert Zborowski who emigrated from 
Poland in 1660 and settled on the banks of the Hacken- 
sack River in New Jersey. He was of the ancient Polish 
family of that name who figure conspicuously in the 
history of that unhappy country. The immediate line 
of descent of the branch of which Captain Andrew C. 
Zabriskie is a member is as follows: 

1. Albert Zborowski 

2. Christian Zaborisco 

3. Andries Zabrisko 

329 



Biographical and Genealogical 

4. Christian Zabriskie 

5. Andrew Christian Zabriskie 

6. Christian Andrew Zabriskie 

7. Andrew Christian Zabriskie, born May 30, 
1853. He was married in 1895 to Miss Frances Hunter. 
There are two children, Julia Romeyn and Christian 
Andrew, being the eighth in line of descent. 

DR. JOHN YOUNG, a respected citizen, and for 
many years one of the leading physicians in Dutchess 
County, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, April 16, 
1822, and died at his home Fishkill-on-Hudson, Septem- 
ber 2, 1893. He was a son of Dr. Charles and Sarah 
Lytle Young, and a grandson of Dr. William and Eliza- 
beth Young of Port Glenone, Ireland. He came to 
America with his father in 1826, and was educated at 
Cold Spring, N. Y., in the public schools and by tutor. 
He commenced the study of medicine in New York City 
in 1838 under the preceptorship of his father Dr. Charles 
Hamilton Young and his brother, Dr. William Young. 
He matriculated at the College of Physicians and Sur- 
geons in New York in 1841 and graduated from that 
institution in 1844. He practiced for about twelve 
years in New York and about ten years in Cold Spring. 
In 1865 he removed to Fishkill Landing where he resided 
until the time of his death, practicing there and in Cold 
Spring alternately. 

In 1850 he married Mary Gennette Garrison, a de- 
scendant of Gerret Gerretsen who came from Holland to 
Staten Island in the "Gilded Beaver" in 1660. The 
first member of this family residing in Putnam County 
was Harry Garrison, a soldier in the American Revolu- 
tion. He was captured by the British on Long Island 
but succeeded in making his escape from the prison ship. 

330 




DR. JOHN YOUNG 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

In 1786 he came to what is now known as Garrison, pur- 
chased land there and engaged in farming. He became 
prominent in the public life of Putnam County and his 
name is preserved in many of its documents. 

He married Mary, daughter of Jacob Nelson, and their 
only son, John Garrison, was born here in 1795 and died 
in 1867. In 1838 he was judge of Putnam County, and 
for two terms represented the county in the Legislature. 
He also served as Surrogate, Sheriff and Justice of the 
Peace. In 1829 he established a ferry to West Point, 
and when the Hudson River Railroad was constructed 
he gave the company the ground for a railroad station, 
and the name of Garrison is thus perpetuated by the 
name of the station and of the Post Office. 

Judge Garrison married Martha, daughter of James 
W. Dominick of New York City, and the following chil- 
dren were born; — Phoebe Jane, Hannah Elizabeth, 
Martha, George F., Mary Gennette, Margaret, James, 
William Dominick and Sarah Nelson. 

Nine children were also born to Dr. John Young and 
Mary Gennette Garrison, namely — Martha Dominick — 
deceased — Charles Hamilton, deceased, Annie Wier, 
Sarah Lytle, Mary Garrison — deceased — John Van 
Doren, M. D., Agnes Josephine, now Mrs. Charles A. 
Hunt of Newburgh, Frank Wood — deceased — and one 
who died in infancy. 

The medical profession seems to have been hereditary 
in Dr. Young's family as his father and grandfather were 
physicians, and also his only son, and his brother William. 

For many years Dr. Young was an honored member of 
the medical society of the County of Dutchess, ever 
holding the respect of his colleagues and always steadfast 
in the polity of his Alma Mater. He was a man of the 

331 



Biographical and Genealogical 

strictest integrity and an excellent example of the gen- 
eral practitioner, his career being marked by an enviable 
success which the doctor of today may well emulate. 

Dr. Young was especially fond of floriculture and 
about six years before his death built the greenhouses 
which have so long been known as The Spy Hill Con- 
servatories. He never wearied in his oversight and care 
of his numerous varieties of plants, and the same care is 
bestowed on these conservatories by his daughter Sarah, 
who is now the proprietor of the floral establishment. 

SENCERBAUGH FAMILY. This name which is 
of German origin is spelled in early records variously 
Sinsebach, Sinsabaugh, Sincerbox, Sensibaugh, Sincerboe. 
That the progenitors of the family in America were among 
the Palatine settlers in New York State, is evidenced 
by the Journal of the Assembly for the year 1735, where 
a bill appears for naturalizing numerous settlers, among 
whom is the name of Jacob Sinsebaugh of the Palatine on 
the Rhine. In the same year Jacob Bookstover and 
Frederick Sinsabaugh purchased a tract of eight hundred 
acres in the town of Montgomery, Orange County, N. Y. 
from William Sharpus. The old Dutch Church at 
Montgomery, which was formerly German Reformed, 
records the names of Adam and Christian Sensabaugh 
as pew-holders for the year 1760. 

In the records of Dutchess County, the Census of 1790 
contains the names of Andrew Sensibaugh (which is also 
spelled Sincerbox) and his wife Ruth Draper, residents 
of the town of Beekman, with a family of three sons and 
four daughters. Andrew was the son of Philip, who 
spelled his name Sincerboe. 

The eldest son of Andrew and Ruth (Draper) Sencer- 
baugh was christened Simeon Draper. He married 

332 



WILLIAM P. SENCERBAUGH 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Phoebe Washburn, also a native of Dutchess County. 
Among their nine children was John Griffin, who was 
born in the town of East Fishkill June 19, 1818, and died 
at his home near Hopewell Junction, N. Y., February 16, 
1903. For over forty years he was connected with the 
Union Ferry Company of Brooklyn, N. Y., and after his 
retirement returned to the homestead farm. 

October 22, 1845, John G. Sencerbaugh married 
Catherine, daughter of Joshua and Amy (Wiltsie) 
Lounsbury, of East Fishkill. A few years after their 
marriage they removed to Brooklyn, where the following 
children were born and educated: Carrie, married John 
V. Van Arsdale, a descendant of Baron Resolve Waldron 
who came from Harlem, Holland, in 1666; John, deceased; 
William Plummer, and Emma, deceased. Throughout 
the residence of the family in Dutchess County they 
have been active members of the old Dutch Church at 
Hopewell. 

William P. Sencerbaugh, who has managed the home- 
stead farm for the past twenty-one years, was previously 
a travelling salesman for a lace importing house of New 
York City. He is one of the representative citizens of 
the town of East Fishkill. In political belief he is a 
Republican, and in 1909 was nominated for the office of 
Supervisor and in this Democratic stronghold came 
within thirty-one votes of carrying the town for his party. 
He is unmarried. 

The direct ancestry of this branch of the Sencerbaugh 
family may be summarized as follows: William P. 5 ; 
John G. 4 ; Simeon D. 3 ; Andrew 2 ; Philip 1 . 

JAMES ROOSEVELT, the head of one of the most 
distinguished families in Dutchess County, was a de- 
scendant of Hon. Isaac Roosevelt, a delegate to the first, 

333 



Biographical and Genealogical 

second, third and fourth Provincial Congresses and State 
Senator from 1777 to 1790. He was a son of Isaac 
Roosevelt of Rosedale, Hyde Park, and grandson of 
James Roosevelt of New York and Poughkeepsie. 

After graduating from Union College in 1847, he 
studied and travelled in Europe for two years; subse- 
quently graduated at the Harvard Law School, and 
entered the office of Benjamin D. Silliman. He was 
called from his profession into the management of im- 
portant corporations, a service for which he was eminent- 
ly qualified, and became a member of the Consolidation 
Coal Co., of Maryland, of the Cumberland and Penn- 
sylvania Railroad Co., and many other southern and 
western roads. He was president of the Louisville, New 
Albany & Chicago R. R. Co., and of the Champlain 
Transportation Co., vice-president of the Delaware & 
Hudson Canal Co., a trustee of the Farmers' Loan and 
Trust Co., and of the City Trust Co., and various other 
organizations. He was a member of the board of man- 
agers of the Hudson River State Hospital, and a member 
of the Board of State Charities, and many charitable 
institutions in various parts of the State. His record 
attests his active usefulness as a business man, a philan- 
thropic and public-spirited citizen, but in addition to 
this every one who knew him would bear witness to his 
high character, distinguished for his nobility and honor, 
to his geniality and kindness, and to the charm of his 
manner. 

He married Miss Howland, daughter of Gardiner 
Howland of New York, who had one son, James Roose- 
velt Roosevelt. His second wife was Miss Delano, 
daughter of Warren Delano of New York and China, by 
whom he had one son, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. 

334 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

He resided at his country seat, Hyde Park, N. Y., and 
was much interested in the local affairs of the town. He 
also gave much attention to the school and church. 

Mr. Roosevelt died December 8, 1900. 

WILLIAM HENRY ROGERS, a son of Samuel and 
Catherine Rogers, was born in the town of Fishkill 
December 7, 1831, and died at his residence there 
January 7, 1890. He was a descendant of John Rogers 
of Plymouth, Mass., who came from Smithfield, England, 
to Rhode Island on the ship "Increase" in 1635. 

After finishing his studies at the schools of his native 
place, Mr. Rogers served his apprenticeship as a tin- 
smith, and early in life embarked in the hardware trade 
for himself. He continued in this business up to the 
time of his death, achieving an unusual degree of success. 

He was elected a trustee of the Mechanics' Savings 
Bank, of Fishkill Landing, and at the time of his death 
was vice-president of this institution, manifesting an 
active interest in the commercial development of his 
home village. 

In public life he served several years as Village Trustee 
and a member of the Board of Education of Fishkill 
Landing. He was a member of the Dutch Reformed 
Church, holding the office of deacon. His life throughout 
is a monument to the virtue of honor and integrity, and 
he was worthy in every respect of the high regard and 
esteem in which he was held. 

November 29, 1853, Mr. Rogers was united in mar- 
riage with Jeannette H. Barclay, daughter of David 
Barclay of Ulsterville, Ulster County, N. Y. Three sons 
and two daughters were born, as follows: Samuel Barclay 
born August 13, 1855, died December 30, 1908. He 
studied law, became a member of the Dutchess County 

335 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Bar, and for many years held the office of Police Justice 
and Justice of the Peace in Fishkill Landing. Emma 
Catherine born May 4, 1858, died July 22, 1890; Dewitt 
Edward born February 22, 1861, died October 20, 1909; 
Mary L. born January 30, 1863, resides at the homestead 
Bay View; Fishkill-on-Hudson, and William Henry, Jr., 
born September 18, 1872. 

HUSTIS FAMILY. The ancestry of the Hustis 
family in Dutchess and Putnam Counties is traced back 
to Robert Hustace who arrived in Boston March 20, 1635. 
He was one of a company who received land in Fairfield, 
Conn., October, 1642, having moved from Mount Walles- 
ton, now Braintree, Mass. His will is dated at Fairfield, 
December 8, 1652, and makes bequests to his sons Angel 
and Robert of large tracts of land in the vicinity of 
Greenwich and Stamford, Conn. Robert 2 Hustis, son of 
the emigrant, removed from Stamford, Conn., to East- 
chester, Westchester County, N. Y., in 1664, and by his 
wife Elizabeth had four sons, Robert 3 , John 3 , Samuel 3 
and David 3 . The last named was born at Eastchester, 
November 10, 1690, and is the direct ancestor of the 
Hustis families in Dutchess and Putnam Counties. 

The Friends' records of Flushing, Long Island, record 
the marriage of David 3 Eustace to Mary Haight, daughter 
of Samuel and Sarah (Noble) Haight, in the Friends' 
Meeting House, Flushing, L. I., the 13th of 2d month, 
1711. Births of their children are entered in the Friends' 
records as follows : 

Sarah 4 Hustace, born 4th of 10th month, 1712. 

Samuel 4 Hustace, born 7th of 2d month, 1715. 

David 4 Hustace, born 5th of 9th month, 1716. 

Joseph 4 Hustace, born 10th of 11th month, 1719. 

Jonathan 4 Hustace, born 14th of 4th month, 1721. 

336 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Solomon 4 Hustace, born 8th of 8th month, 1723. 

Caleb 4 Hustace, born 10th of 12th month, 1728, 

married Charity, daughter of John and Hester 
(Verveelen) Rogers Jan. 26, 1757. 

Joseph 4 (Robert 1 , Robert 2 , David 3 ) Hustis, born in 
1719, married Sarah Cosier, March 4, 1756, at Crugers, 
Westchester County, N. Y., and died in 1805. Issue: 

Sarah 5 , married Isaac Mead. 

Robert 5 , twice married. 

Abigail 5 , married Miles Schofield. 

Charity 5 , married Beverly Haight. 

Mary 5 , married Seely Budd. 

Phebe 5 , married Patrick Welch. 

Joseph 5 , married Elizabeth Knapp. 

Hannah 5 , married David Knapp. 

David 5 , married Phebe Mead. 

Robert 5 (Robert 1 , Robert 2 , David 3 , Joseph 4 ), son of 
Joseph and Sarah (Crosier) Hustis was born in Philipse 
precinct, Dutchess County, June 7, 1759. He married, 
first, Jemima (who died in 1800), daughter of Gilbert 
and Nancy (Knapp) Weeks. Issue: 

Fanny 6 , married Henry Haldane. 

Joseph 6 , married Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac Daven- 
port. 

Nancy 6 , married Captain Henry Haight. 

Gilbert Weeks 6 , married Phebe, daughter of Nehemiah 
Travis. 

Sarah 6 , married Joshua, son of Beverly Haight. For 
his second wife Robert Hustis married Tamer, daughter 
of Nicholas and Phebe (Covert) Budd, of the town of 
Wappinger, Dutchess County. Issue: 

Nicholas Budd 6 , born in Philipstown, May 11, 1803, 

337 



Biographical and Genealogical 

married Martha, daughter of Joseph and Catharine 
(Croft) Haight, and died March 13, 1862. 

Jemima 6 , born in Philipstown, 1805, married James 
Croft Haight, son of Joseph and Catherine (Croft) 
Haight. 

James Haight 6 , born in Philipstown, December 17, 
1807, married Sarah Elizabeth Stevens, November 24, 
1831. 

James Haight Hustis 6 (Robert 1 , Robert 2 , David 3 , 
Joseph 4 , Robert 5 ), continues the line of descent. His 
children were: 

Caroline 7 , married Homer Boice. 

Harriet 7 , married, first Lewis Pearsall, who was in the 
Union Army and died at Baton Rouge, La. Her second 
husband was Augustus Schoenig, also a Civil War 
veteran. 

Nicholas B. 7 , born at Matteawan, February 20, 1837, 
married Ruth, daughter of Frank Woodman, July 8, 1863. 

Armintha 7 , born at Matteawan, December 21, 1842, 
married Cyrus Hobby. She died at Carmel March 16, 
1906. 

Nicholas Budd Hustis 7 (Robert 1 , Robert 2 , David 3 , 
Joseph 4 , Robert 5 , James H. 6 ) continues this line. His 
children were : 

Cora 8 , born July 3, 1864. 

Frank 8 , born July 31, 1865, married Alice, daughter of 
Samuel Rogers. 

Elmer 8 , born Sept. 4, 1866. 

Charles 8 , born Dec. 5, 1867. 

Ida 8 , born Dec. 31, 1868. 

Lillie 8 , born April 18, 1870. 

Harriet 8 , born Aug. 8, 1871. 

Herbert 8 , born Dec. 11, 1874. 

338 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Stella 8 , born Nov. 11, 1878. 
Ernest 8 , born March 21, 1882. 

The children of Nicholas B. Hustis were all born at 
Glenham, N. Y. 

THEODORE FOWLER, M. D. The ancestry of 
Dr. Theodore Fowler is traced back to William Fowler 
who came to America in 1637 and settled at New Haven, 
where, being one of the few emigrants who had received 
a classical education, he soon became a man of distinc- 
tion, and is known historically as "the first magistrate 
of New Haven." 

William Fowler 1 married Abigail and of their 

four children the second son, William 2 , continues this 
line. He married Mary Thorne, daughter of John 
Thorne of Flushing. They were the parents of eleven 
children, of whom Jeremiah 3 , the fourth in order of birth, 
continues this line. 

Jeremiah Fowler 3 (William 1 , William 2 ,) married Sarah, 
daughter of Henry Dusenbury, and eight children were 
born to them, of whom Reuben was the seventh in order 
of birth. 

Reuben Fowler 4 (William, 1 William, 2 Jeremiah 3 ), of 
Peekskill, was born in 1720, and died May 17, 1785. He 
married Jane, daughter of Matthias and Anne (Rych) 
Valentine of Westchester County. Issue: Stephen 5 , 
married Annie Armstrong of Peekskill; Jeremiah 5 ; Reu- 
ben, 5 married Martha Drake; James 5 , married Catharine 

Faulkner; John 5 , married ; Abigail 5 , married 

Cornelius Ryder of Croton; Anne 5 , Mary 5 , Phoebe 5 , 
born 1756, married Benjamin Ward of Peekskill, died 
Jan. 9, 1848; Sarah 6 ; Jane 5 ; Dorothea 5 , married Isaac 
Briggs of Peekskill. 

339 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Reuben Fowler 5 (William 1 , William 2 , Jeremiah 3 , Reu- 
ben 4 ) of Peekskill, born September 9, 1753, died February 

2, 1832, buried at Peekskill; married Martha Drake. 
Issue: Jeremiah Drake, M. D. 6 , born December 25, 
1784; Peter Drake, M. D. 6 , born January 7, 1790; 
Nancy 6 , born June, 1792; John 6 , born August 23, 1794; 
Chauncey Weeks 6 ; Martha 6 ; Phoebe Stockholm 6 , mar- 
ried Henry Smith of New York. 

Jeremiah Drake Fowler, M. D. 6 , (William 1 , William 2 , 
Jeremiah 3 , Reuben 4 , Reuben 5 ) of the village of Sing Sing 
(now Ossining) was born December 25, 1784, in the vil- 
lage of Peekskill where his parents resided during the 
Revolutionary war. At an early age he received the 
best classical training of the day with a view to entering 
the medical profession, which he did in 1806. He settled 
in Sing Sing immediately after receiving his degree, and 
during that period none ranked higher in his profession. 
He was a prominent member of the Medical Society, 
and several times represented it as its delegate to the 
State Society. He was Justice of the Peace during the 
years 1817-20. He died October 28, 1828. He married 
Eliza Anthony, born May 30, 1791; died May 17, 1857. 
She was a niece of Dr. Barnabas Binney of Philadelphia, 
and cousin of the Hon. Horace Binney, Nestor of the 
Pennsylvania Bar. Issue: Theodore, M. D. 7 , born July 

3, 1812; Sarah A. 7 , born January 10, 1827, died young; 
Mary 7 , born September 15, 1818, died November 17, 
1902; Charles Anthony 7 , born December 24, 1820, died 
October 3, 1893. 

Theodore Fowler, M. D. 7 , (William 1 , William 2 , Jere- 
miah 3 , Reuben 4 , Reuben 5 , Jeremiah D. 6 ) of East Fishkill, 
son of Jeremiah Drake, was born July 3, 1812, died 
March 20, 1872. At an early age he received the best 

340 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

educational advantages, united with careful home cul- 
ture. He went to New York to study law, but owing to 
a severe illness was obliged to return to the country to 
recuperate his health at the residence of his uncle P. D. 
Fowler, a physician of Dutchess County. At this time 
he lost his father, and it was ultimately concluded that 
he should enter the medical profession. He returned to 
New York and pursued his scholastic and medical studies 
under Professors Mott, Stevens, Beck, Rogers, Torry, 
Delafield, Augustine Smith, etc., of the old College of 
Physicians and Surgeons attached to Columbia College 
in Barclay Street. He completed his studies March 1, 
1833, and returned to East Fishkill where he began the 
practice of his profession, and became one of the most 
prominent physicians and influential citizens of Dutchess 
County. 

He married in 1838, Mary A. Lounsbury, born Decem- 
ber 24, 1818, daughter of Joshua and Amy Wiltsie 
Lounsbury. Issue: Theodore Sydenham 8 , born Novem- 
ber 26, 1839; Isaac L. 8 , born August 10, 1841; Kate 
Louisa 8 , born August 3, 1843; Joshua L. 8 , born February 
20, 1846; Charles Anthony 8 , born May 2, 1848; Jeremiah 
Drake 8 , born April 13, 1850; John L. 8 , born October 6, 
1852; Joseph Lloyd Anthony 8 , born March 23, 1855; 
William 8 , born September 5, 1857; Frank 8 , born 
January 22, 1860; Lottie 8 , born February 16, 1862; died 
March 10, 1865; Nellie 8 , born February 16, 1862, died 
March 16, 1865. 

FRANK HASBROUCK, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., is a 
descendant through his paternal grandfather of Abraham 
Hasbrouck, one of the twelve New Paltz patentees, and 
through his paternal grandmother of Jan Hasbrouck, 
brother of Abraham, another of the New Paltz patentees. 

341 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Abraham Hasbrouck 1 was born near Calais, France, 
and died at New Paltz, N. Y., March 17, 1717. He came 
to America in 1675 and settled at Kingston. With his 
brother Jan and ten others he purchased from the In- 
dians and obtained a patent from Governor Andros for 
about 90,000 acres of land on the west shore of the Hudson 
and called it New Paltz. Date of patent September 29, 
1677. He was Representative for Ulster County in 
Colonial Assembly, 1698-9; Major in Militia; commis- 
sioned to lay out roads in Ulster County June 19, 1703. 

He married Marie, daughter of Christian Deyo, one 
of the twelve New Paltz patentees, in 1676. Issue: 
Andries 2 , Joseph 2 , Solomon 2 , Daniel 2 , Benjamin 2 and 
Rachel 2 . 

Joseph Hasbrouck 2 (Abraham) was born at New Paltz 
October 28, 1683, and died at Guilford January 28, 
1723-4. In October 1706 he married Elsie, daughter of 
Captain Joachim Schoonmaker, and grand-daughter of 
Hendrick Joachimsen Schoonmaker, who came to I 
America from Hamburg, Germany, in the employment 
of the Dutch West India Company. Issue: Abraham 3 , 
Jacob 3 , Isaac 3 , Benjamin 3 , Cornelius 3 , Jonathan 3 , Rachel 3 , 
Mary 3 , Sarah 3 , Peternella. 3 

Abraham Hasbrouck 3 (Abraham 1 , Joseph 2 ) was born 
at Guilford, N. Y., August 21, 1707, and died at Kingston, 
N. Y., November 10, 1791. He was a Member of the 
Provincial Legislature for Ulster County, 1739-52, 
1759-68; Member of New York Provincial Congress, 
1776; Member of Assembly, 1782; Lieut.-Colonel 1st 
Ulster Regiment, 1775; Colonel of same reorganized as 
Northern Ulster Regiment, February 13, 1776. He mar- 
ried, January 5, 1738-9, Cathrina Bruyn, a descendant 
of an early settler at Kingston of Norwegian blood. 

342 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Issue: Elsie 4 , Joseph 4 , Cathrina 4 , Marie 4 , Jacobus 4 
(James), Abraham A. 4 , Daniel 4 , Jonathan 4 . 

Joseph Hasbrouck 4 (Abraham 1 , Joseph 2 , Abraham 3 ) was 
born at Kingston, N. Y., March 3, 1743-4 and died at Guil- 
ford, N. Y., February 26, 1808. He was a prominent and 
influential citizen of Ulster County in Revolutionary 
times. He was General in the militia; Major of the 3d 
Ulster Regiment, 1775, Lieutenant Colonel, 1778, Mem- 
ber of Assembly, 1786-91-2 and State Senator, 1793-6. 

March 25, 1773, he married Elizabeth Bevier, a de- 
scendant of Laurence Bevier, one of the twelve New Paltz 
patentees. Issue: Abraham 5 , Louis 5 , David 5 , Joseph 
Jr. 5 , Philip 5 , James 5 , and Luther 5 . 

Joseph Hasbrouck 5 (Abraham 1 , Joseph 2 , Abraham 3 , 
Joseph 4 ) was born at Guilford, N. Y., May 25, 1781, and 
died there April 5, 1853. He was Member of Assembly 
for Ulster County, 1801-4. He married, October 19, 
1809, Jane Hasbrouck, a descendant of Jan Hasbrouck, 
one of the twelve New Paltz patentees. Issue: Abner 6 , 
Oscar 6 , Alfred 6 , Joseph L. 6 , Josiah P. 6 . 

Alfred Hasbrouck, M. D. 6 (Abraham 1 , Joseph 2 , Abra- 
ham 3 , Joseph 4 , Joseph 5 ) was born at Guilford, N. Y., 
July, 17th, 1820. He was graduated a Bachelor of Arts 
from Yale University with the class of 1844. He entered 
the New York College of Physicians and Surgeons, 
from which he was graduated in 1848. He then settled 
at Poughkeepsie where he was a prominent physician 
the many years of his long life. He died May 9, 1903. 

September 28, 1848, he married Margaret Ann Man- 
ning, a descendant of Hugo Freer, one of the twelve New 
Paltz patentees; also of Baltus Van Kleeck, original 
settler of Poughkeepsie. Issue: Jane 7 , Frank 7 , Sarah 
Louisa 7 , Alice 7 , Alfred 7 , Manning 7 , Laura 7 , Louis Philip 7 . 

343 



Biographical and Genealogical 

RYDER FAMILY. 

The English family is of ancient origin, dating back to 
Normandy, where, at Omonville, or Osmondville, prior 
to the conquest of England, there lived a Baronial 
family of the name of Foliot, descended from Osmond, a 
companion of Rollo, several members of which were 
followers of William the Conqueror, and settled perma- 
nently in England. Of these, William Foliot in 1086 held 
lands from the See of Canterbury, which descended to 
his son Henry, who married Lucia, daughter of Jordan 
Briset, a Great Baron, and founder of St. John's Priory, 
Clerkenwell. The second son of Henry was Jordan 
Foliot, who, prior to 1165, obtained estates in Yorkshire 
from the Barony of Pontefract, and was the first to bear 
the name of De Rythre, which may have been derived 
either from the local name of the Parish or Castle of 
Rythre, or from the office of King's Rither, a mounted 
forester. 

"I give thee eighteen pence a day, 
And my bo we thou shalt bere; 
And over all the North Countre 
I make thee chyfe rydere." 

In the year 1300 Sir William, Lord de Rythre, was one 
of the Barons assembled with his followers in the army 
of Edward I, while invading Scotland, and is recorded as 
a Crusader on the rolls of Karlaverock, and as bearing 
blue banners with three crescents of gold, a device 
which has ever remained the coat-of-arms of the family. 
He was afterward summoned to parliament by Edward 
I. He was maternally descended from Eudo, Earl of 
Brittany, through his son Alan, first Earl of Hastings, 
who commanded the rear of the Conqueror's army at the 

344 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Battle of Hastings; through the Fitz-Alans from the royal 
line of Baliol; and from Godfrey, Duke of Louvain. 

About 1380 Sir William, probably a grandson of the 
Baron, married Sybilla Aldburgh, co-heiress of Hare- 
wood Castle, and descendant of Robert de Rumelli, its 
founder, a follower of the Conqueror; and he and his 
descendants retained this seat with its large dependencies, 
besides his already large estates of Skipton, Haselwood, 
Addington, &c, during eight generations until 1634, 
when the family retired from these possessions and 
removed from Yorkshire. 

Branches of the family settled very early in Lincoln- 
shire, Devonshire and elsewhere, and from them have 
descended many English families of the present time, 
among them that of the Earl of Harrowby, who enjoys 
a Peerage created in 1776, in honor of the distinguished 
services of his ancestor, Sir Dudley Ryder, who was 
Attorney General in 1737, and Lord Chief Justice of the 
King's Bench in 1754. 

There were many different emigrants of the name of 
Ryder or Rider. Thomas Rider was a passenger from 
Southampton on the Ship "Hercules" in 1634, and 
settled in Boston as early as 1644. He married Elizabeth, 
daughter of William Lane, of Dorchester. He had 
children, Elizabeth, born August 14, 1649; Jacob, born 
June 10, 1651; Nathaniel born October 4, 1653, and 
Hannah born March 7, 1655, and probably Thomas, 
older than the others. He died or disappeared before 
May 23, 1655, when his wife petitioned for sale of lands. 

Samuel Ryder settled at Yarmouth 1638 and died there 
December, 1679, aged 78 years. His wife was Anne, 
who died at Plymouth, 1675. They had children, 
Benjamin; John born about 1644; Samuel born about 

345 



Biographical and Genealogical 

1630; Zachary born about 1638; Joseph born about 
1644; Elizabeth; Mary born about 1647, and perhaps 
Jane. 

John Rider, the great grandson of John, married Mary 
Paine and removed to Southeast, Dutchess County 
(now Putnam) where he died February or March, 1774. 
He was a landowner and a man of prominence in that 
community. His Wife was Mary Paine and his child- 
ren mentioned in his Will were Ebenezer, Reuben, 
Zadoc, John, Christopher, Patience, Mary, Rebecca, 
Mehitabel, Hannah and Zeniah. He also mentions his 
grand-children, Eleanor, Huldah and Thomas Regan, 
and names his brother, Simeon, as Executor jointly with 
his wife. None of the numerous descendants of this 
Family bearing the Rider name remained in the County. 
Among them are Dr. William H. Rider, Dentist, of 
Danbury, Connecticut; Lucy Rider Meyer of the 
Deaconess Home, Chicago, and William H. Ryder of 
Andover, Mass. Other branches of the numerous 
descendants of Samuel Rider of Yarmouth settled at 
Chatham, and Riders Mills in Columbia County and in 
Poughkeepsie and other parts of New York. 

Another Thomas Rider, with his wife Mary, settled 
in the town of Southold, Long Island, as early as 1659, in 
which year he purchased a farm there called Hashamo- 
mock Neck, which he afterward conveyed to his son, a 
third Thomas. 

John Ryder, perhaps a son or a brother of Thomas 
Rider of Southold, removed to Newtown, L. I., and 
New York City, as early as 1665, where he engaged in 
active practice as a lawyer, and became a prosperous and 
respected citizen, entrusted with the care of several 
estates, and owning a house on Stone street, in the city of 

346 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

New York, which he sold in 1679, to his neighbor Fred- 
erick Philipse; and lands in Queens county, where he 
with his wife Jane afterward resided, at Newtown, 
Maspeth Kills and elsewhere. In 1673 when the Dutch 
re-captured the city, his house was plundered by them. 
He also purchased lands in Westchester county, of Anne 
Richbell, in 1685. He was, perhaps, a brother or 
nephew of Robert Ryder, Surveyor-General of the 
Province of New York, who died after an active life, 
at New York City, in 1681. 

Another John Rider, whose Wife's name was Elizabeth, 
was a Patentee of lands on Hell Gate Neck, July 22, 1686, 
which he sold in 1688. 

All the above were evidently English, and distinct 
from the Dutch Family of Ryder living contemporan- 
eously at Gravesend. 

John Ryder, perhaps a son of one of the above, was 
married in the Reformed Dutch Church, New York, 
June 27, 1690, to Adriantie Hercks, daughter of Hercks 
Siboutszen Krankheyt, formerly a ship carpenter, from 
Langendyck, Holland, but who received a patent of lands 
and settled in Newtown, and his wife Wyntie Theunis 
de Key, from Naarden, Holland, who were married in 
the same church November 16, 1642, and who became 
the parents of fourteen children, and ancestors of some 
of the present Cronk, Lent and other families of West- 
chester county. He lived in Newtown, near the tract 
known as the "Poor's Bowery," but before 1698 he 
removed to Flushing, where he remained a number of 
years. He appears to have been a blacksmith, a calling 
in those days of some importance; and a site for a shop 
was granted him in Flushing in 1720. He was probably 
living in 1733. He had sons — John, Hercules, Robert, 

347 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Jacob and Hugh; and daughters — Wyntie and Elizabeth. 
All of the sons settled in Westchester county: John and 
Jacob at Phillipsburgh Manor about 1728; Hercules at 
the same place about 1733; and Hugh at Eastchester 
about 1744; and Robert died at Eastchester about 1736. 

Hercules Ryder, baptised June 23, 1695, married 
Mary — and was in Phillipsburgh in 1733. He had a 
son, Jacob, who married Susannah Bishop and who had 
several children, among them, Caleb from whom is 
descended Frank Ryder of Syracuse; Joshua, ancestor of 
Evelyn B. Baldwin, the Arctic Explorer; Bartholomew, 
ancestor of Edgar L. Ryder, Esq., of Ossining; and 
Jesse, ancestor of Everett Ryder, Esq., of New York. 
Many descendants of Hercules still reside at Ossining 
and Yorktown, in Westchester County. 

Hugh, who was a blacksmith, purchased a farm in 
Eastchester in 1745, but was a resident of New York 
City in 1761. He had a son Robert, an innholder, of 
New York City, who died in 1759, apparently without 
children, bequeathing his property to his father and to 
his wife Elizabeth, except a white broadcloth coat with 
which he remembered his "Cousin John, son of his uncle 
John," below mentioned. Robert Ryder, brother of 
Hercules, was also a blacksmith. Letters of administra- 
tion on his estate were granted to his wife Anne in 1736. 

Wyntie married Robert Churchill, and Elizabeth 
married Tunis Brinckerhoff, and had a son George, who 
after the Revolution removed to Hopewell, Dutchess 
county, where some of his descendants remain. 

John Ryder, eldest son of the John above, was born at 
Newtown and baptized in the Reformed Dutch Church 
of New York City, December 2, 1692; was named in the 
census of Flushing, 1698; married Bridget Farrington, 

348 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

daughter of Thomas and Abigail (Palmer) Farrington, 
of Flushing, a descendant of Edmund Farrington, of 
Southampton, L. I., 1640, and John Palmer, of Newtown; 
and about 1728 settled with his brother Jacob at Tucka- 
hoe, on the Manor of Phillipsburgh, now city of Yonkers, 
Westchester county, where he was a landholder under 
lease from the Philipse family until his death in 1761. 
His advertisement may still be seen in the New York 
Weekly Postboy, wherein he offers five pounds reward 
for the recovery of a stolen horse. He was a Private in 
John Wright's Company at Flushing in 1715 and was 
Captain of a Company at Philipsburgh in 1740. His 
will is recorded in the New York Surrogate's office. He 
had six daughters and one son. One of the daughters 
married a Griffin, and one a Robert Townsend, and a 
third married Nathan Bailey, who in 1748 and for many 
years after leased lands on the west side of Peach Pond, 
which in 1794 were purchased by his nephew, Eleazer 
Ryder. 

John Ryder, only son and youngest child of the above, 
was born in 1732, and early removed to Putnam (then a 
part of Dutchess) county, where he spent his early man- 
hood and raised his family. He married Sarah Sprague, 
daughter of John and Hepsibeth (Hartwell) Sprague, 
who lived as early as 1745 at what is now known as 
Light's Corners, near the eastern line of the town of 
Carmel, Putnam county, upon lands leased of the Philipse 
family from their Upper or Highland Patent, and were 
influential members of the log church, Congregational, 
then located in the vicinity, now known as the Gilead 
Presbyterian Church, at Carmel. John Sprague was 
Justice of the Peace, and otherwise a prominent citizen, 
and his name is mentioned in the earliest road survey of 

349 



Biographical and Genealogical 

the town. His wife was descended from William Hart- 
well, who settled in Concord, Mass., in 1636. 

John Ryder enlisted three times in the Revolutionary 
army: In 1777 in Waterbury's company of the 7th 
Dutchess County Regiment of Levies, commanded by 
Col. Henry Ludington; in 1778 in Haight's company of 
the 3d Westchester County Regiment of Levies, com- 
manded by Col. Gilbert Drake; and finally, September 
7, 1778, for three years, in the 4th Company of the 2d 
Regiment of the New York line of the Continental army, 
commanded by Col. Philip Cortlandt, receiving his 
discharge January 12, 1780. He leased various lands in 
what is now the town of Southeast, until the death of his 
wife, after which he lived a short time with his son 
Eleazer, and then removed to the home of his son John, 
in Bovina, Delaware county, where he died in 1812. 
His children were: John, born 1757, died March, 1838; 
Hepsibeth, born 1761, died June 15, 1831; Bridget; 
Eleazer, born November 5, 1764, died May 25, 1840; 
Absalom, born April 30, 1767, died 1839; Sarah, born 
1770, died May 28, 1841; and Esther, born 1774, died 
October 4, 1846. 

(1) John married Mary McFarland, and removed, 
with his two sons, Lewis and Joseph, to Bovina, Dela- 
ware county, whence his descendants have departed. 

(2) Hepsibeth married Gilbert Field, son of Joseph 
and Mary (Denton) Field, early settlers on Dingle 
Ridge, a prosperous farmer, who, with his brothers 
Nehemiah and Comfort (together known as the "Three 
Old Boys") accumulated considerable wealth, which 
eventually fell to Gilbert's children. These were Samuel, 
born 1792, died 1877; Polly, born 1793, died 1882, who 
married Moses Adams, but had no children; Abigail, 

350 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

born 1794, died 1865; Comfort, born 1799, died 1850; 
and Col. Joseph, born 1803, died 1878, who built an 
excellent house on the ancestral estate, but never 
married. 

Abigail Field married Aaron Purdy Denton, son of 
Solomon and Lydia (Husted) Denton, of Horseneck, 
Conn., and settled on Dingle Ridge, where they had seven 
children, of whom Mary, born 1818, died 1896, married 
Seth Abbott, son of Ebenezer and Polly (Adams) Abbott, 
of Pound Ridge, N. Y., and had three children, Charlotte 
Amelia, Joseph Gilbert and Mary Eliza, the first of 
whom, born April 1, 1850, married Halcyon G. Ryder, 
below mentioned. The other descendants of Abigail 
have settled in the West. 

Samuel and Comfort Field married, respectively, 
Charlotte and Polly, daughters of Solomon and Athalana 
(Coe) Crane, of Patterson, N. Y.; Samuel settling on a 
portion of the Dingle Ridge farm, where he established a 
fine place on the east shore of Peach Lake, now owned by 
Hubert Vail, and where he was throughout life an able, 
accomplished and public-spirited leading citizen. After 
the death of his first wife he married, successively, 
Julia M. and Amelia Sim. Of his children, Caroline 
married William Taber Rumsey, of Pawling, and removed 
to Fairfax, Va., where he had six children; Samuel 
Augustus Crane married Clara Lewis, but had no child- 
ren; Julia Frances Catherine married Henry Seymour, a 
prosperous builder of Norwalk, Conn., and has one 
daughter, Carrie Amelia; and Mary Amelia Malcom 
and Richard Joseph Gilbert died unmarried. 

Comfort Field removed to Pawling, where he was a 
large farmer and prosperous citizen. His only daughter, 
Charlotte, born January 16, 1826, married George 

351 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Kirby Taber, son of Jonathan A. and Hannah (Kirby) 
Taber, of Pawling, also a successful farmer and business 
man, and highly respected citizen. Their children were 
Gilbert Field, born 1846, died 1889; Hannah Kirby, 
born 1850, died 1871; Martha Akin, born 1857; Alicia 
Hopkins, born 1859, and Charlotte Field, born 1861, 
died 1880; of whom Gilbert F. married Mary, daughter 
of Alexander and Harriet M. (Cowl) Allen, of Pawling, 
and had children: Harriet Allen, Hannah Kirby, 
George Kirby, Charlotte Field and Mary. 

(3) Bridget Ryder married Sylvanus Palmer, of 
North Salem, and removed with him to Rush, Monroe 
Co., N. Y., whence their descendants through four 
children — Benjamin, Sally, Alfred and Anna — again 
migrated to Michigan. 

(5) Absalom Ryder married (1) Tamson Townsend, 
daughter of Uriah and Hannah (Keeler) Townsend, of 
Dingle Ridge, and removed to Berne, Albany Co., N. Y., 
where some of their descendants still reside. Their 
children were Abijah, Eleazer, Samuel, Uriah, John, 
Chauncey, Absalom and three who died infants. A 
son of Eleazer was Almanza Sanford Ryder, a Unitarian 
minister of considerable repute, of Boston; and a son of 
Chauncey was Seth Boughton Ryder, Sheriff of Union 
county, N. J., and Mayor of Elizabeth City. Absalom 
Ryder married (2) Elizabeth Farmer, and (3) Beulah 
Shepard. 

(6) Sarah Ryder married Joseph McFarland, had 
children — Esther, John, James, Joseph, Peter and Mary 
— and removed to Rush, Monroe county, whence their 
descendants have also gone further west. 

(7) Esther Ryder married John Underhill, had 
children — Sarah, Eleazer, Clarissa, John, Hepsibeth, 

352 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Delecta, Alfred and Arza — and removed with him to 
Pine Hill, Genesee Co., New York. 

(4) Eleazer Ryder, fourth child of John and Sarah 
Ryder, was born in what is now Southeast, Putnam 
county, November 5, 1764. He married Mary Coe, 
daughter of Samuel and Jane (Field) Coe, and grand- 
daughter of Samuel Field, the first settler upon Dingle 
Ridge, who located there about 1732, before his brother 
Joseph, and became a prosperous, well-known and highly- 
respected citizen, and whose well-preserved house is still 
standing. This Jane Field was the first white child born 
on the "Oblong." 

Eleazer Ryder occupied a house which stood on the 
highway leading across Joe's Hills, near the corner of the 
highway from Brewster to Danbury. The spot is marked 
by a huge rock, which formed one side of the dwelling. 
Three of his children were born there. On May 5, 1794, 
he purchased 130 acres, a portion of the present Ryder 
farm, on the westerly side of Peach Lake, where he built 
the houses that form the present residence, and to which 
he removed. He was an energetic and industrious 
farmer, weaver, merchant and marketman. It is said 
that he often earned from his loom by night the money to 
pay the hired man who worked at his side on the farm by 
day. He kept a country store on the premises, and 
further supplied his own and his neighbors' wants by 
driving a market wagon thrice a week to Sing Sing 
transporting the surplus products of the community to 
the Hudson river, the avenue of trade with New York, 
and bringing back the manufactures that the locality did 
not produce. He was a Whig in politics, as were all his 
descendants, all of whom became Republicans with the 
formation of that party. He died May 25, 1840; his 

353 



Biographical and Genealogical 

wife, who was born September 15, 1758, died June 3, 
1840, a few days after him. His wife was descended 
from many people of note amongst the first settlers of 
New England and Long Island; from Capt. Robert Coe, 
of Watertown, 1634, afterward of Hempstead and New- 
town, Long Island, whose son John, of Rye, was de- 
nounced for preaching there the doctrines peculiar to the 
Quakers; from Robert Field, of Flushing, 1645, who, 
with his descendants, took a prominent part in the 
settlement of Flushing; from Thomas Bowne and his 
son John Bowne, the talented but persecuted and ban- 
ished Quaker of Flushing (1627-1698), who entertained 
George Fox at his home, and for many years furnished 
in his house a meeting place for the "Friends;" which 
house is still standing, a landmark in the history of those 
early days; and from Robert Feke, of Watertown, 1630, 
and Flushing, 1650, and his wife, Elizabeth Fones, 
whose mother, Anne, was sister to Gov. Winthrop, of 
Massachusetts Colony. 

The children of Eleazer and Mary Ryder were: 
Sarah, born May 12, 1790, died August 25, 1869; Sam- 
uel, born December 16, 1791, died November 20, 1820; 
Stephen, born February 21, 1794, died April 30, 1876 
(see page 360); and Polly, born May 11, 1796, died 
single, June 11, 1831. 

(I) Sarah Ryder married Benjamin Raymond, a 
farmer of Southeast, and had one daughter, Mary, who 
married Gilbert F. Palmer, of North Salem, and who in 
turn had but one daughter, Emma, who married Theo- 
dorus B. Nash, a merchant, of South Nor walk, Connecti- 
cut. 

(II) Samuel Ryder settled on the farm with his father 
but died a young man. He married Roxanna Field, 

354 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

born August 21, 1796, a daughter of Stephen and Betsey 
(Brown) Field, of Southeast, who survived him over 
sixty years, dying September 6, 1881, still his widow. 
They had three children: Martha Jane, Cyrus and 
Samuel. 

(1) Martha Jane Ryder, born June 6, 1815, died 
June 20, 1889, married Nathan Rundle, son of Ezra and 
Hannah (Hoyt) Rundle, born October 14, 1810, died 
June 15, 1879, a successful farmer, whose lands adjoined 
those of her grandfather, and on which she became the 
mother of nine sons and daughters. These were: (a) 
Amzi Lewis, born 1833, died 1865, married December 21, 
1856, Janette Hull, born July 24, 1836, died March 1, 
1908 and had an only child, Carrie Louisa, born 1862, 
died 1864. 

(b) Charles Henry, born 1836, died 1875, married 
April 26, 1862, Annie Eliza Sturges, born January 26, 
1839, and had three children: Clarence Emory, born 

April 26, 1869, married Bartram, of Redding, 

Conn.; Clara, born 1869, died 1869; and Richard, born 
1875, died 1890. 

(c) Emory, who purchased his father's farm, born 
October 22, 1838, died December 26, 1901, married 
October 30, 1868, Mary Emily Howe, daughter of James 
Robinson and Henrietta Adelaide (Hunt) Howe, of 
North Salem, N. Y., born 1843, died February 23, 1891, 
and had two daughters, Elsie Howe, born February 21, 
1870, and Martha Jane, born August 11, 1873, died 
December 16, 1902, both of whom married William 
Irish Ryder as hereinafter mentioned; and he again 
married, December 7, 1892, his cousin, Mary Elizabeth 
(Ryder) Dikeman. 

355 



Biographical and Genealogical 

(d) Clarence, born April 29, 1843, died September 
6, 1853. 

(e) Mary Janette, born July 8, 1845. 

(f) Hannah Delia, born April 17, 1847, married 
September 15, 1869, Dr. Richard Bayard Coutant, an 
eminent physician and scholar, of Tarry town, N. Y., son 
of James and Mary (Jones) Coutant, of Tarrytown, N. Y. 
born June 10, 1847, and a descendant of the French 
Huguenots of New Rochelle. Their children were 
Isaac Lawrence, born August 29, 1872, Richard Bayard, 
born April 20, 1876, and Helen Rusling, born May 13, 
1879. 

Of these children, Isaac Lawrence Coutant married 

and had a son, George Olivette born September 

6th, 1901; Richard Bayard Coutant married 



Helen Rusling Coutant married, June 6th, 1906, Charles 

Edward Crocker, and has a child born November 

17th, 1907. 

(g) Emeline, born March 22, 1850, married June 3, 
1873, Benjamin Reynolds Lobdell, son of Jackson Perry 
and Mary (Reynolds) Lobdell, born March 29, 1844, an 
enterprising merchant of North Salem, and had children: 
Clayton Rundle, born March 1, 1875, died February 7, 
1892; Emory Garfield, born December 17, 1879; George 
Washington, born November 22, 1881, and Grace 
Hannah, born March 19, 1885. 

Of these children, George Washington Lobdell married, 
January 18th, 1905, Florence Mae Smith, and has a son 
Clayton born May 12th, 1906; Grace Hannah Lobdell 
married, April 26th, 1905, Hubert William Brundage, 
born June 26th, 1884, and has a son Emery Hubert, 
born October 5th, 1906. 

356 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

(h) George, born April 20, 1852, married November 
21, 1894, Elida Benedict Osborn, born August 6, 1855, 
daughter of Solomon Enos and Elizabeth Benedict 
(Scribner) Osborn, of Nor walk, Conn., and removed to 
Danbury. 

(i) Elmer James, born May 3, 1856, died September 
3, 1900, married October 13, 1880, Ella Jane Senior, 
daughter of Henry M. and Phebe L. Senior, born 
December 1, 1855, and settled on a farm at Ridgebury, 
Conn. He has one son, Clifton Elmer, born July 8, 1884, 
who married September 27, 1906, Isabella Clark. 

(2) Cyrus Ryder, born March 18, 1817, died March 
27, 1903, married Nancy Jane Field, born October, 1819, 
died February 19, 1901, daughter of Nathan and Susan 
(Knox) Field, of Southeast, owned a number of farms in 
eastern Putnam county which he successfully managed, 
improved and sold, and retired to Danbury, Conn., 
where he died, and where most of his children and grand- 
children are located. He had four daughters and one 
son, Cicero Hobby Ryder, who was born June 26, 1852, 
and died May 21, 1891, and who married November 13, 
1872, Laura A. Smith, born May 1, 1853, daughter of 
Deacon Edson T. and Louisa (Kent) Smith, of Patterson, 
N. Y., and had three children: Cyrus Edson, born 
August 14, 1874; Grace, born May 7, 1876, and Samuel, 
born June 7, 1882. Of these children Cyrus Edson 
Ryder married June 7, 1899, Bertha Fredrika Kirk- 
wood, born December 7, 1876, and has a daughter 
Dorothy Louise, born January 20, 1902; Grace Ryder 
married June 2, 1897, Edgar Clifton Meder of Danbury, 
Conn., born February 15, 1872; and Samuel Ryder 
married October 11, 1906, Minnie Peavy, born August 
26, 1884. 

357 



Biographical and Genealogical 

His daughter, Mary Elizabeth, born September 7, 
1840, died June 1, 1911, married (1) Russell Gideon 
White, son of Russell and Betsey Ann (Wood) White, of 
Danbury, Conn., a farmer and contractor, (2) George 
Dikeman, and (3) her cousin, Emory Rundle, mentioned 
above; and her daughter by her first husband, Jennie i 
Estelle, born October 12, 1861, married William F. 
Waterbury, born — , died December 31, 1907, of Stam- 
ford, Conn., farmer, and had children, Annie Cornelia, 
born October 7, 1880; Charles Russell, born July 25, 
1883; Eva White, born July 17, 1886, and Harry Clinton, 
born February 17, 1890. 

Of these children, Anna Cornelia Waterbury married, 
March 16th, 1902, Stanley Alexander Potter, and had 
children, Hazel Evelyn, born December 16th, 1902; 
Marion Emily, born April 5th, 1905; and Dorothy 
Elizabeth, born May 25th, 1907. 

Charles Russell Waterbury married, June 6th, 1906, 
Edith Provost. 

His second daughter, Maria, born April 21, 1842, 
married January 23, 1861, Lyman B. Olmstead, son of 
Daniel and Army (Taylor) Olmstead, of Danbury, far- 
mer, and had children, Daniel Ryder, born December 2, 
1861; and Dora Elizabeth, born February 20, 1865, who 
married Philip Anson Banks, son of Thomas Elliott and 
Susan Jane (Mead) Banks, of Danbury, Conn., and has a 
daughter, Edna Gardner, born September 24, 1889. 

Of the above, Daniel Ryder Olmstead married, June 
12th, 1901, Lena Marion Smith, born August 26th, | 
1877, and had children, Gladys Andrews born August 
3rd, 1902, and Earl Ryder born June 26th, 1905. 

Edna Gardner Banks married, January 30th, 1907, 

358 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Fred Jay Kellogg, and had children, Allen Jay born 
November 7th, 1907, and born January 3rd, 1911. 

His third daughter, Julia Caroline, born January 4, 
1846, married August 30, 1864, Charles Harris White, son 
of Cyrus Andrews and Minerva (Wildman) White, of 
Danbury, Conn., real estate agent, and had daughters, 
Julia Adelaide, born July 26, 1867; and Henrietta, born 
January 2, 1871; of whom Julia Adelaide White 
married October 29, 1885, William Eugene Jackson, son 

of William B. and (Hamlin) Jackson, of Danbury, 

Conn., and has a son, Charles Fanton, born October 18, 
1886; and Henrietta White married December 23, 1889, 
Orville Rundle Barrett, son of John Townsend and Julia 
(Rundle) Barrett, of Patterson, N. Y., and had a daugh- 
ter, Julia Rundle, born December 22, 1890, died January 
11, 1898. 

His fourth daughter, Roxanna, born March 15, 1859, 
married Henry E. Chase, son of Alvin and Esther (Wood) 
Chase, of Patterson, N. Y., now living in Danbury, and 
has a son, George Henry, born October 26, 1892, and a 
daughter Ruth, born April 13, 1900. 

(3) Samuel Ryder, born May 19, 1819, died March 14, 
1895, married November 25, 1846, Elizabeth Jane Bailey, 
daughter of Gilbert and Nancy (Reed) Bailey, of Dingle 
Ridge. He purchased and settled upon a portion of the 
original Samuel Field farm of Dingle Ridge, where he 
died. His children were (1) Halcyon Gilbert, born 
December 16, 1847, who married Charlotte A. Abbott, 
daughter of Seth and Mary (Denton) Abbott, of Pound 
Ridge, N. Y., and who purchased and resides on a por- 
tion of the Joseph Field farm on Dingle. Ridge; (2) 
George Grandon, born November 5, 1849, died Septem- 
ber 23, 1893, without children, who married, December 

359 



Biographical and Genealogical 

19, 1872, Linda Ralyea, born , died February 11, 

1905, daughter of Richard Ralyea; and (3) Sarah Eliza- 
beth, born October 14, 1852. 

(Ill) Col. Stephen Ryder (see page 354), younger son 
of Eleazer Ryder, born February 21, 1794, died April 30, 
1876, succeeded his father in the ownership of the farm, 
ing continued his business of marketman until the open- 
and of the Harlem railroad to Croton Falls, in 1847. He 
married May 26, 1825, Betsey Nichols, daughter of 
Gould and Sarah (Treadwell) Nichols, of Weston, Conn. 
His wife was born November 21, 1799, and died January 
6, 1870, and was a descendant of the families which first 
settled the town of Fairfield, Conn., whose names have 
become familiar through many distinguished sons; of 
Francis Nichols, who came to Stratford in 1639; of 
Maj. Nathan Gold, 1644, and his son of the same name, 
the Lieutenant Governor; of Thomas Staples, one of the 
first five settlers of Fairfield; of Thomas Scudder; of 
Francis Bradley; of Jehu Burr; Thomas Sherwood; Ed- 
ward Treadwell; Ephraim Wheeler; John Barlow, and 
others — all early settlers of Fairfield. She was an efficient 
helpmeet to her husband, especially in that respect 
which lay nearest his heart — the training and education 
of their children. Col. Ryder's education was that of 
the common schools in the neighborhood, but he was a 
man of strongly marked character, a deep and original 
thinker, and a close student for a man in his position; 
and he attained a very considerable knowledge of 
astronomy, philosophy and, more particularly, of mathe- 
matics, in which he was proficient. 

When a young man he became interested in military 
affairs, and at the age of eighteen took his place in the 
ranks of the militia, rising through every grade until he 

360 



Dutchess and P u t n a m Counties 

attained the colonelcy of the Thirty-fifth Regiment, 
succeeding Col. Pearce, of Pawling. His commission as 
colonel was dated June 21, 1828, and signed by Lieut. - 
Gov. Nathaniel Pitcher. He resigned in 1831. 

In politics he was originally a Whig, and from the 
formation of the Republican party until his death he was 
an ardent supporter of its principles and nominees. He 
could hardly forgive anything that looked like disloyalty 
to his country. Honest and true himself, he could not 
tolerate dishonesty in others. He was several times a 
candidate for office, and in 1848 for the Assembly, 
running against James J. Smalley, but his party was in a 
hopeless minority and he was defeated. 

The trait of character by which his influence will be 
longest felt was the untiring energy which he devoted to 
the education of his children, applying not only his means, 
but his personal supervision, to an extent rarely witnessed 
among us. He had a happy faculty not only of inspiring 
them with a love of study, but of imparting intelligence 
by his constant inquiry and illustration. He gave them 
the best education afforded by the community, but above 
all, he left to them the proud record of a life of unsullied 
probity and honor, a record which they in turn have 
honored by faithfully respecting and repeating it. 

His children were: Ambrose; James; Henry Clay; 
Benjamin Franklin; Edward; Mary Amelia, born Octo- 
ber 6, 1837; and Annette Elizabeth, born May 1, 1840, 
died December 27, 1863 — two of whom are still living, 
and all of whom were born on his farm at Peach Pond. 
His daughters were educated respectively at Raymond 
Collegiate Institute at Carmel, N. Y., and Mt. Holyoke 
Seminary, Mass. 

361 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Ambrose Ryder, eldest son of Col. Stephen and Betsey 
(Nichols) Ryder, was born in Southeast on the 5th day 
of March, 1826. His school education began at the 
Pine Tree District School House near his home, and was 
continued at the North Salem Academy, then a famous 
preparatory school, under the management of Prof. 
John F. Jenkins, where he was a fellow pupil with Gen. 
Darius N. Couch, Putnam county's most famous military 
hero; of D. Ogden Mills, the noted millionaire; and of 
Fanny J. Crosby, the well-known writer of hymns. 
He entered Williams College, journeying to Williams- 
town with his father behind the farm team; and graduat- 
ed there September 14, 1846, in a class of thirty-three, of 
whom few are now living (1911). He studied law at 
Carmel with Charles GaNun, the leading member of the 
Putnam County Bar at that time, and afterward for a 
short time with Henry B. Cowles in New York. He 
was admitted to the Bar in Brooklyn, March 15, 1849, 
and immediately began the practice of his profession at 
Carmel, being counseled by his father to look for success 
where he might receive the assistance of his friends at 
home. His early practice was in competition with the 
established lawyers of the place, and for a few years 
afforded but a scant remuneration. He was in 1851 the 
Whig candidate for County Judge, and although the 
usual Democratic majority was upward of 700, he was 
elected by a slight plurality over his opponents. Hither- 
to the position had been most frequently filled by laymen 
instead of trained lawyers, and his administration of the 
offices of County Judge and Surrogate was the beginning 
of a new era in the county's jurisprudence. He was 
twice re-elected, holding the offices for twelve years. 
During this time his practice as a lawyer became well 

362 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

established, and it was continued with success until his 
death. 

A man of rare ability, well-read, far-seeing and possess- 
ed of a thorough knowledge of mankind, of ready tact, 
sound judgment and keen wit, genial and considerate, 
and of the purest life, he was alike sought after in the 
quiet counsels of the office and the stirring contests of the 
forum, where as a cross-examiner he appeared to great 
advantage. But, unambitious, he sought only the power 
and dignity of a private citizen well-beloved. He was 
connected with nearly every case of importance in the 
county from the time he left the bench, and conducted 
the settlement of many of the largest estates. He was 
frequently appointed appraiser in condemnation pro- 
ceedings, and referee in many important matters. In 
all the proceedings relating to the condemnation of lands 
by the City of New York in the County of Putnam for 
its water supply, he was a leading counsel for the proper- 
ty owners, in which special branch of practice his son has 
followed him. 

In 1868 Judge Ryder was the Republican candidate for 
Presidential Elector in his district, and in 1873 was 
appointed County Treasurer to fill the vacancy caused 
by the death of John F. Cornish. He was Supervisor of 
the town of Carmel in 1882. 

In the political circles of the county he was always a 
prominent figure and astute leader and adviser, and he 
was identified in various ways with the business and 
social interests of the community. He was a founder 
and the first Vice-President of the Putnam County 
National Bank, which was organized March 14, 1865, 
and member of the original Board of Directors; and was 
one of its officers continuously until his death. He was 

363 



Biographical and Genealogical 

appointed Cashier, April 16, 1874, and was elected to the 
office of President January 12, 1886, on the death of 
Sylvester Mabie, when he was succeeded as Cashier by 
his son Hillyer. He filled the office of President until 
his death, when he was succeeded by his son Clayton. 
He was remarkably quick at figures, and like his father 
an excellent mathematician. He was named as trustee in 
the charter of Drew Female College in 1866, and con- 
tinued as such until his death. He was a supporter of and 
contributor toward the New York, Boston and Montreal 
railroad, which was subsequently opened as the "New 
York City and Northern," giving Carmel more direct 
access to New York, and was instrumental in the devel- 
opment of many of the highways of the county, notably 
the present one from Brewster to Carmel, for which he 
obtained legislative sanction. He was for many years an 
officer of the Putnam County Agricultural Society. He 
was first President of the Carmel Club, and was a 
universal favorite with young men. He died April 9, 
1892. 

On October 22, 1849, almost immediately after his 
admission to the Bar, he was married to Mary Miranda 
Hillyer, daughter of Rev. Shaler J. and Catherine 
(Tichenor) Hillyer, of North Salem. Her father was a 
Universalist preacher of distinction and most sterling 
character, and was for many years settled over the 
Churches at North Salem and Long Ridge. He was 
born in Granby, Conn., and reared at the home of his 
uncle, Rev. Asa Hillyer, the Presbyterian Divine, at 
Orange, N. J., where he was married. Mrs. Ryder was 
born July 22, 1827, and died April 23, 1870. Her 
American ancestry through her father dates from John 
Hillyer, of Windsor, Conn., 1639; John Wakefield, of 

364 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Watertown, 1646; George Hayes, of Windsor, 1680; 
Thomas Dibble, of Dorchester and Windsor, 1683; 
Michael Humphrey, of Windsor, 1657; James Eno, of 
Windsor, 1646; Richard Bidwell, of Windsor, 1646; 
John Bissell, of Windsor, 1640; Matthew Grant, of 
Dorchester, 1630, Windsor, 1635; Ebenezer Smith and 
wife, Sarah Shayler, of Sheffield, Mass., 1743; Thomas 
Holcombe, of Dorchester and Windsor, 1635; Thomas 
Bliss of Hartford, 1640; Samuel Chapin, of Roxbury, 
1638; William Buell, of Windsor, 1640, and wife, Martha 
Coggens; and through her mother from Francis Tichenor 
and Richard Harrison, of New Haven, 1644; John 
Lindsley, of Bradford, Conn, 1650; Ebenezer Canfield; 
John Baldwin, and the Charles, Condit, Williams, and 
Wheeler families, and others of the settlers, of Newark, 
New Jersey. 

Judge Ryder had four children : Hillyer, born July 24, 
1850; Clayton, born February 8, 1860; Mary Grace, 
born May 15, 1863, died October 26, 1901; and Stephen 
born February 15, 1866. His daughter was a graduate 
of Drew Seminary for Young Women at Carmel, N. Y., 
and was identified with many social organizations of the 
County. He purchased, March 21, 1853, a house, since 
removed, then standing on a lot which is the northerly 
portion of the site of the M. E. church, and just south of 
the present parsonage, which he owned until April 1, 
1862, when he sold it to the Church Society, and the 
house was taken down. In 1869 he purchased the lot at 
the south end of Main street, on which he built his resi- 
dence, in which his wife died before its completion, and 
where he himself died. He owned at his death 130 
acres of the Abraham Everett farm, and had bought and 
sold various farms in the eastern part of the county. 

365 



Biographical and Genealogical 

James Ryder, second son of Stephen and Betsey 
(Nichols) Ryder, was born June 23, 1827, and attended 
school at the "Pine Tree" School House in his early 
boyhood, and later at the North Salem Academy, un- 
der William S. Tozer, Esq., and Prof. John F. Jenkins, 
where he graduated, 1846. He taught school for seven 
winters, working on the farm during the summer months. 

He was a man of fine presence and soldierly bearing, 
and from his youth he was deeply interested in military 
matters. In 1846, in his nineteenth year, he was ap- 
pointed Adjutant of the 35th Regiment, New York State 
Militia, but was not commissioned, owing to a change in 
the entire military system of the State. In 1848 he 
raised a company of uniformed militia, of which he was 
elected Captain; and in 1851 he was promoted to Colonel 
of the 18th Regiment, N. G. S. N. Y.; and again in 
1864 to Brigadier-General of the 7th Brigade, holding the 
latter office eleven years, when he was retired by virtue 
of length of service, under a State law by which "A 
commissioned officer holding one continuous commission 
for ten years shall be retired." While he was Colonel 
of the 18th Regiment it was ordered out for service; but 
the order was countermanded. In 1863 the regiment 
went to Baltimore, and reported to Gen. Shenck, and was 
assigned to duty at Fort Marshall, near Baltimore, but 
was mustered out after forty-five days' service. 

In 1864 the brigade furnished four companies of troops 
for the defenses of New York, and in the fall the entire 
brigade was employed in guarding armories. 

From 1863 to 1865 inclusive Gen. Ryder was Com- 
missioner of the Board of Enrollment of the Tenth 
District of New York, and was located at Tarrytown. 

366 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

In this position he drew the name of every drafted man 
in the Tenth District. 

As a member of the G. A. R. he served three years as 
Commander of James E. Moore Post No. 8, of the 
Department of Connecticut. 

He was taught as a boy to regard public affairs as of the 
highest importance, and he took an active interest from his 
earliest manhood in all the campaigns for good government 
which the struggling Whig and early Republican parties of 
his county waged against their stronger opponents. In 
1856, and again in 1865, he was delegate from Putnam 
county to the Republican State Convention at Syracuse. 

As a resident of Danbury he filled the offices of Grand 
Juror and Justice of the Peace, and in 1882 he was elected 
Representative to the General Assembly, serving in the 
sessions of 1883 on the Committee on Military Affairs. 

His courteous and gentle manners, his high sense of 
honor and the considerateness of all his dealings and 
public acts made him beloved by every one who came in 
contact with him. He died at Danbury, February 8, 
1897, in his seventieth year. 

In 1856 he engaged in mercantile life at Purdys 
Station, N. Y., continuing it for three years, after which 
he again returned to the farm. In 1867 he removed to 
Danbury and became Secretary and Treasurer of the 
Bartram & Fanton Sewing Machine Company. In 1870 
he removed to Brooklyn, where he entered the employ of 
J. B. Sargent & Co., hardware dealers. In 1875 he 
removed to Norwalk, where he became a member of the 
firm of Price, Bates & Co., marblemen. In 1877 he 
returned to Danbury, where he was connected with the 
dry-goods firm of Hawley & Co. He retired from 
business in 1887. 

367 



Biographical and Genealogical 

He married November 8, 1854, Emily Augusta,, 
daughter of Capt. Asel and Lucia F. (Fairchild) Beebe, 
of Bethel, Conn., who was descended through her father 
from John Beebe, of Great Addington, England, 164-, 
and through her mother from Thomas Fairchild, of 
Stratford, Conn., 164-. She was born August 15, 1829, 
died January 21, 1884. In later life he married Decem- 
ber 7, 1887, Mary Adelaide (daughter of Charles and 
Angeline (Selleck) Benedict, of Danbury, Conn.), who 
was born May 12, 1840. 

His children by his first wife were Carrie Congdon, 
born April 24, died May 10, 1856, and Carroll Dunham, 
who was born July 22, 1866. 

Carroll D. Ryder was educated in the schools of Dan- 
bury, and under Prof. Olmstead, of Wilton, Conn., and 
for several years was an active member of the National 
Guard of the State of Connecticut, of which he was 
commissioned Captain of Company G, Fourth Regi- 
ment, March 31, 1891, resigning October 10, 1894. On 
July 14, 1892, he was elected assistant Secretary and 
Treasurer of the Union Savings Bank of Danbury, with 
which he has been connected since March, 1884, and 
July 15, 1897, he was elected its Secretary and Treasurer. 
He resigned this position January 1, 1907, and for several 
years has been Treasurer of the Stearns Lime Co. of 
Danbury. He married at Englewood, N. J., October 
8, 1895, Fannie Gould Baldwin, daughter of David 
Abeel and Elizabeth (Haywood) Baldwin, of Englewood, 
N. J., an accomplished musician, who traces her ancestry 
through ancient lines to King Charlemagne. For the 
past twenty-five years he has been prominently connected 
with the choirs of the various Churches of Danbury. 

368 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

His children are Emily Beebe, born June 8, 1901, and 
Evelyn Baldwin, born November 10, 1908. 

Henry Clay Ryder, third son of Stephen and Betsey 
(Nichols) Ryder, was born March 4, 1829, at the home- 
stead near Peach Pond. Like his brothers, he was 
educated at the "Pine Tree" District School and the 
North Salem Academy under Prof. John F. Jenkins. 
At eighteen he commenced teaching District School 
during the winters; "boarding 'round" in the mode 
customary in those days, and working upon his father's 
farm during the summers. On Christmas Day, 1854, 
he married Anna Elizabeth (daughter of Edward Selleck 
and Chloe (Ambler) Hull, of Danbury, Conn.), who was 
born July 8, 1832, and who was descended from George 
Hull, of Dorchester, 1630, Windsor, and Fairfield, 1646, 
and Richard Piatt, of New Haven, 1638. 

He removed to Danbury, and lived with his father- 
in-law's family, working on the farm with him until the 
death of his wife, November 29, 1864. 

He was appointed Assistant Assessor of Internal Rev- 
enue for the Fourth Division, Fourth District of Connecti- 
cut, in 1865, and held the position until the offices of 
Assessor and Assistant Assessor were abolished in 1873. 
He was elected August 1, 1873, Secretary and Treasurer 
of the Savings Bank of Danbury, and still continues to 
hold that responsible position . He was appointed County 
Surveyor soon after moving to Danbury, and did much 
surveying until elected to the bank position. 

He married (2) June 16, 1868, Augusta Georgianna 
(daughter of Deacon Samuel and Asenath (Morgan) 
Talcott, of Gilead, Conn.), who was born February 6, 
1837, and is descended from John Talcott, of Hartford, 
Conn., 1636, owner of the first house built in Hartford. 

369 



Biographical and Genealogical 

His children by his first wife were Fannie Benedict, 
who died an infant, and Edward Hull Ryder, born 
September 8, 1859, now a prosperous farmer in the 
suburbs of Danbury. By his second wife his children 
were John Talcott, born April 10, 1870, died April 18, 
1872; William Stuart Talcott, born September 30, 1875, 
died December 8, 1888; Ely Morgan Talcott, twin 
brother to William S. T.; and Dorothy Nichols, born 
January 13, 1879. 

Edward Hull Ryder, married August 17, 1886, Jessie 
Day, daughter of Dickerson Tamlin and Mary (Steven- 
son) Day, of Danbury, and had four children: John, 
born August 7, 1887, died at Tufts College, April 8, 1908. 
Anna Elizabeth, born January 11, died September 5, 
1889; George Day, born September 24, 1894; and 
James, born April 20, 1898. In 1911 he was elected 
first selectman of the town of Danbury, Conn., having 
previously held the office of selectman. 

Ely Morgan T. Ryder, was prepared for College 
at The Wilton Academy, Wilton, Connectiut, by 
Professor Edward Olmstead. He graduated from the 
Sheffield Scientific School, Yale University, in 1896, 
receiving the Degree of Civil Engineer in 1898. He is a 
member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and 
the Connecticut Society of Civil Engineers. For several 
years after graduation, he was in the Office of Mr. Albert 
B. Hill, Consulting Engineer, at New Haven, Conn. 
During the College Year of 1904-1905, he was Instruc- 
tor in Civil Engineering in the Sheffield Scientific 
School. From 1905 to 1908, he was employed as 
Engineer, Maintenance of Way of the Connecticut 
Company, which operates the Electric Street Railway 

370 




HENRY H. SCHROWANG 




FRANK W. WHEELER 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Lines controlled by the New York, New Haven & 
Hartford Railroad Company. He is now Engineer, 
Maintenance of Way for the Receiver of the Third 
Avenue Railroad Company of New York City. He 
married, June 29th, 1907, Winifred, daughter of Charles 
Belden and Mary Ann (Davenport) White, who was 
born January 18th, 1877, and was descended from the 
Reverend James Davenport of the New Haven Colony. 
Her Grand-father, Ambrose Lipscomb White, was one 
of the Founders of the American Academy of Medicine. 
His Ancestors were from the State of Virginia. Their 
children are Dorothy Davenport, born June 15, 1909, 
and Mary Talcott, born May 31st, 1911. 

Benjamin Franklin Ryder, fourth son of Stephen and 
Betsey Nichols Ryder, was born January 20, 1831, and 
educated at the "Pine Tree" School, and the North 
Salem Academy, and in his young manhood taught 
school for several winters, working on the farm in the 
summer. He was of an active and inventive turn of 
mind, and was identified from its organization with the 
Sewing Machine Company of Danbury, of which he was 
for several years an officer. He made a successful 
invention of sewing machine casters, and for a number of 
years superintended their manufacture and sale. He 
has been identified with many enterprises at New Haven, 
Chicago and elsewhere. He died at Carmel, N. Y., 
October 21, 1900. 

He married, December 6, 1858, Josephine Hull, 
daughter of Denny and Anna (Selleck) Hull, of Danbury, 
Conn., who was born August 17, 1833, and was descend- 
ed from George Hull, of Dorchester, 1630, Windsor, and 
Fairfield, 1646, and who died February 13, 1866, by 
whom he had one son, Arthur Hull Ryder, born March 

371 



Biographical and Genealogical 

5, 1861, now of New Haven, who has been for many years 
in the service of the N. Y., N. H. & H. R. R. Co. 

He again married, February 25, 1867, Esther Ann 
(Foster) Northrup, daughter of Jonah and Sally (Hunt) 
Foster, of Ridgefield, Conn., who was born March 23, 
1830, and was a descendant of Christopher Foster, of 
Long Island, N. Y., and by whom he had one son, Chaun- 
cey Foster Ryder, born February 29, 1868, who studied 
Art in the Schools of Chicago and afterwards at Paris 
and who is now a successful Landscape Painter in the 
city of New York. 

Arthur H. married at Hinsdale, 111., September 10, 
1895, Charlotte Elizabeth Ailing, born July 19, 1862, 
daughter of Marshall Ellsworth and Ann Maria (Fowler) 
Ailing, of Allingtown, Connecticut. 

Chauncey F. married, at Chicago, February 18, 1891, 
Mary Keith Dole, born January 29, 1868, daughter of 
William C. and Hannah M. (Avery) Dole, of New Haven, 
Conn., a descendant of Richard Dole, of Newbury, 1639, 
Francis Peabody and Reginald Foster. 

Edward Ryder, fifth son of Stephen and Betsey 
(Nichols) Ryder, was born at the homestead, September 
25, 1833, and educated at the local schools at the Pine 
Tree District and the North Salem Academy, and after- 
ward taught school at Somers and South Salem. He 
again pursued a course of study at the Poughkeepsie 
Academy, but was prevented from accomplishing his 
intention of taking a college course by a failure of his 
eyes. For the most of his life he conducted the farm of 
his father, continuing to occupy it, with the exception 
of only a few years, until his own death, June 1, 1890. 
He wrote a number of poems, among them "The Morning 
Star," which was published in book form, and he also 

372 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

wrote the "Life of Elizabeth Fry," which was extensively 
circulated. He sympathized earnestly with the Society 
of Friends, which formerly was an important factor in 
the community where he resided, but latterly has almost 
disappeared from the neighborhood; and he was a 
frequent speaker at its gatherings, and intimately 
associated with and loved by them throughout south- 
eastern New York. Upon the organization of a com- 
munity at Quaker Hill, known as "Aiken," in 1881, he was 
elected their librarian and preacher, and held the position 
four and one-half years, sojourning for that time upon the 
Hill. He was a prominent and influential member of, 
and frequent literary contributor to, the Putnam County 
Ministers' Association, and one of its organizers, and was 
interested largely in many ways in the social and religious 
development of his town and county. He held the 
office of Assessor of the town of Southeast from 1877 to 
1880, and like all his brothers was a stanch Whig and 
Republican. 

He married, March 8, 1871, Elizabeth, daughter of 
David Irish and Mary (Irish) Wing, of Quaker Hill, 
N. Y., who was born May 12, 1848, and who was de- 
scended from Elihu Wing and Amos Irish, early settlers 
on Quaker Hill. 

His children were Annette Amelia, born February 21, 
1872; William Irish Ryder, born August 29, 1873; 
Ruth Wing Ryder, born June 30, 1875, died January 1, 
1894, a graduate of Drew Seminary for Young Women 
at Carmel, N. Y.; and Ernest Nichols Ryder, born 
September 15, 1883. 

Annette A. Ryder attended school at Pawling and mar- 
ried, May 17, 1894, J. L. Gerome Ferris, a well known 
artist of Philadelphia and son of the distinguished painter 

373 



Biographical and Genealogical 

and etcher, Stephen James and Elizabeth Anastasia 
(Moran) Ferris. Their daughter, Elizabeth Mary Ferris, 
was born at Philadelphia May 7, 1895. Mrs. Ferris has 
been prominent for many years in Civic work in her city. 

William Irish Ryder attended School at Pawling and 
is a carpenter and builder. He married, July 20, 
1902, his cousin, Martha Jane Rundle, daughter of 
Emory and Mary Emily (Howe) Rundle of North 
Salem, N. Y., who was born August 11, 1873, and died 
December 16, 1902. He married (2), February 24, 
1904, her sister, Elsie Howe Rundle, who was born 
February 21, 1870. Their son, Philip Irish Ryder was 
born January 22, 1910. 

Ernest Nichols Ryder was educated at Brewster 
High School and the University of Pennsylvania and has 
established a fine dental practice at Brewster, N. Y. 
He married, July 24th, 1909, Jennie Benjamin GaNun, 
daughter of William E. and Flora (Benjamin) GaNun of 
Purdy Station, N. Y., a graduate of New Paltz Normal 
School and a teacher for several years at Brewster, N. Y. 

Hillyer Ryder, first son of Ambrose and Mary M. 
(Hillyer) Ryder, was born at Carmel, July 24, 1850. 
He was educated in the public and private schools at 
Carmel, and at Cornell University, which he entered at 
its first opening, continuing his studies there three years, 
and fitting himself for the profession of civil engineer. 
He was engaged in the work of laying out the New York, 
Boston & Montreal railroad, afterward opened by other 
companies, until August 1, 1876, when he was appointed 
assistant cashier in the Putnam County National Bank 
at Carmel, of which on the election of his father to its 
presidency, January 17, 1886, he became cashier, which 
office he resigned October 1, 1908. He was elected 

374 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

County Treasurer of Putnam County in 1876, and was 
five times re-elected, holding the office continuously for 
eighteen years. He is unmarried, and resides at the late 
home of his father. 

Clayton Ryder, second son of Ambrose and Mary M. 
(Hillyer) Ryder, was born February 8, 1860, at Carmel 
in the house now demolished, which stood on or near the 
site of the present M. E. church. He was educated in 
the public and private schools of Carmel, at the Hudson 
River Institute at Claverack, where he spent one year, 
1875-6, and at Cornell University, where he graduated 
June 19, 1879. He studied law in his father's office, and 
in 1880-1 at the Columbia Law School in New York City, 
and was admitted to the Bar as attorney in December, 
1881, and as counselor September 14, 1882, at Brooklyn 
General Term. He at once commenced his practice, 
which has been successful, in Carmel, succeeding to the 
practice of his father. After the death of his father, he 
was, April 28, 1892, elected to fill his place as President 
of the Putnam County National Bank, and he is a 
member of the Board of Trustees of Drew Ladies College. 

He married, July 31, 1888, Mrs. Carrie (Holcombe) 
Cornwell, widow of Dr. Henry G. Cornwell, of Columbia, 
Ohio, and daughter of Alexis E. and Jane Grey (Brecken- 
ridge) Holcombe, formerly of St. Louis, Mo., who was 
born in Richmond, Ind., August 6, 1859, and who is 
descended from Thomas Holcombe, and Begat Eggle- 
ston, of Dorchester and Windsor, 1635; John Pettibone, 
Windsor, 1658; James Breckenridge, of Palmer, Mass., 
1727; George Morton and Thomas Clark, of Plymouth, 
1623; Andrew Ring, of Plymouth, 1629; John Lothrop, 
of Scituate, 1634; Stephen Hopkins, of the " Mayflower," 
1620; Robert Stetson and Anthony Dodson, of Scituate, 

375 



Biographical and Genealogical 

1633; Thomas Foster, of Boston, 1634; Thomas 
Chillingworth, early of Marshfield, and other families of 
Wanzer, Olmstead, Sherwood, Mosely, Campbell, Ferris, 
Marshall, Newell, Fisher, etc. 

His children are Earle Ambrose, born June 9, 1890, 
Morton, born October 1, 1894, and Willis Holcombe, 
borne April 23, 1896. 

Stephen Ryder, third son of Ambrose and Mary 
(Hillyer) Ryder, was born at Carmel, February 15, 1866, 
in a house then standing near the site of the present 
residence of his brother Clayton. He graduated at 
Cornell University in June, 1887, having paid particular 
attention to the study of Chemistry and Physics. He 
entered business as assistant cashier of the Bank at 
Carmel, but removed to Tacoma, Wash., in 1890, where 
he was in business until 1893, removing to Sumner, 
Wash., in 1895. He was Professor of Chemistry at 
Tacoma High School from September 1896 until June 
1907, when he returned to Carmel to accept his former 
position with the Bank of which he was elected cashier 
on the resignation of his brother, Hillyer. 

He married, September 9, 1890, Annie Louise Cooper, 
daughter of John J. and Sarah (Miller) Cooper, of South 
Danby, Tompkins Co., N. Y., and has four children: 
Ambrose, born August 7, 1891; Leland Cooper, born 
April 6, 1893; Gertrude, born March 9, 1895; and 
Hillyer Cooper, born December 11, 1896. 

JOHN PHILIP RIDER, Manufacturer and Bank 
President, Fishkill-on-the-Hudson, N. Y. 

The earliest official record of the family of which Mr. 
Rider is a descendant is found in the town records of 
Yarmouth, Mass., setting forth the marriage of Samuel 
Rider, Jr., son of Samuel and Ann Rider, to Sarah 

376 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Bartlett, Dec. 23, 1656. Sarah Bartlett was the daugh- 
ter of Robert and Mary (Warren) Bartlett, and grand- 
daughter of Richard Warren of the "Mayflower." 

Samuel and Sarah Rider are the ancestors of numerous 
families of that name in Plymouth and Bristol counties, 
Massachusetts, as well as in Rhode Island and Eastern 
New York. 

Simeon and John Rider emigrated from Massachu- 
setts in 1750 and settled in the vicinity of Peach Pond, 
in the town of Southeast, Dutchess county, N. Y. 
Jonathan and Mercy (Wilson) Rider, of Bristol county, 
Mass., settled in Columbia county, N. Y., in 1802, 
where the name is perpetuated in the hamlet now known 
as "Rider's Mills." About the same time Philip Rider, 
of Dartmouth, Mass., settled in what is now the town of 
Milan, Dutchess county, and, in 1818, upon the organiza- 
tion of that town, was elected Constable and Collector. 

On the paternal side John P. Rider is a great grandson 
of Truxton Rider of Dartmouth, Mass., who married 
Hannah Cummings of the same place. Their son Philip 
Rider, mentioned above, was born in Dartmouth, Feb. 
26, 1781. He married Catherine Van Fradenburgh, who 
was born at Rhinebeck, N. Y., in 1786. He died April 
6, 1867, and is buried in the family plot in Rhinebeck 
cemetery. Their son Albert A. was born at Rhinebeck, 
Dec. 1, 1807. He married Caroline Jennings, Dec. 14, 
1829, who was born in Rhinebeck, Aug. 6, 1808, and this 
couple became the parents of the following children: 
Catherine A., John Philip, Julia C, and Freeman A. 

Caroline Jennings was the daughter of John and 
Aurelia (Bard) Jennings, both natives of Connecticut, 
the former born at Windham, 1783, and the latter at 
Sharon, 1788. 

377 



Biographical and Genealogical 

John Philip Rider was born Jan. 28, 1835, at Rhine- 
beck, N. Y. His education was obtained in the schools 
of his native town and Rhinebeck Academy. He began 
his business career by accepting a clerkship with his 
uncle, John F. Jennings, at Kingston, N. Y., where he 
remained two years. He returned to Rhinebeck in 1853 
to act as Deputy Postmaster to his father, who had been 
appointed Postmaster at that village by President 
Pierce. In 1855 Mr. Rider went to New York City and 
was connected with a wholesale dry goods house there 
until 1863, when he was appointed secretary of the New 
York Rubber Company, holding that position in New 
York until 1883. He was then elected Vice-president of 
the Company and took charge of their plant at Mattea- 
wan. In 1906 he accepted the Presidency of this 
Company, having previously retired from active duties. 

In 1893 he was chosen Vice-president of the Mattea- 
wan National Bank, and in 1909 succeeded to the 
Presidency. At this time he is also a Vice-president of 
the Mechanics Savings Bank at Fishkill-on-Hudson, 
where he resides. 

In public affairs Mr. Rider has held the office of 
Supervisor of the town of Fishkill, serving two terms, one 
term as chairman of the Board. He has also served as 
President of the village of Fishkill Landing. 

On Dec. 18, 1860, Mr. Rider married Cornelia A. 
de Forest, of Brooklyn, N. Y., who was born Aug. 6, 
1838, and died July 31, 1900. She was a lineal descend- 
ant of Johannis Snyder, Colonel of the First Regiment of 
Ulster County Militia, which was formed at New Paltz, 
Jan. 19, 1776, and who was in command at the placing 
of the iron chain across the Hudson at West Point. To 
them was born, May 25, 1862, a daughter, Jeanne, who 

378 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

married Archibald Montgomery, Jr., at New York City, 
Oct. 16, 1883. She died April 10, 1906. They were the 
parents of the following children, born in Brooklyn: 
Kathleen de Forest, born 1884; Kenneth R., born 1886; 
Archibald, 3rd, born 1889, died 1892; and De Forest C, 
born 1892. Kathleen Montgomery married Dr. Keith 
Sears of Matteawan, N. Y., Oct. 28, 1908, and they are 
the parents of one son, Philip Rider Sears, born June 3, 
1910. 

AUSTIN STUART RYDER, president of the Ryder 
Motor Co., Poughkeepsie, N. Y., is a direct descendant 
in the paternal line of one of the earliest settlers of 
Westchester county. He is the son of Jesse L. and 
Mary Melvina (Weber) Ryder, and was born near 
Ossining, N. Y., in 1849. He attended the schools of this 
village and then learned the carpenter's trade, which he 
followed for a period of about 25 years. For four years 
Mr. Ryder was a keeper at Sing Sing Prison, and for 
about four years previous to coming to Poughkeepsie he 
was engaged in the wholesale and retail milk business in 
Ossining. 

Mr. Ryder has been a resident of Poughkeepsie since 
1908, and has been engaged in the automobile business. 
He purchased the property at 42 Market street, where 
he erected an office building and garage, handling 
"Flanders," "E. M. F.," "Abbott-Detroit," and^'Viele" 
cars. 

Mr. Ryder married Catherine, daughter of Washington 
and Lucinda (Purdy) Carpenter of Westchester county, 
and four children were born to them as follows: Dr. 
H. L. B., George Washington, Garfield Leslie, Stuart 
Austin. 

379 



Biographical and Genealogical 

The descent of Mr. Ryder can be traced back to John 
Ryder, who was married in the Reformed Dutch Church, 
New York, June 27, 1690, to Adriantie Hercks, daughter 
of Hercks Siboutszen Kraukheit, formerly a ship car- 
penter from Langendyck, Holland, who received a 
patent of land, and settled in Newtown, L. I. They 
had sons, John, Hercules, Robert Jacob and Hugh, and 
daughters Myntie and Elizabeth. All the sons settled 
in Westchester County; John and Jacob at Philipsburgh 
Manor about 1728; Hercules at the same place about 
1733; Hugh at Eastchester about 1744 and Robert, who 
died at Eastchester, about 1736. 

Hercules Ryder was baptized June 23, 1695; he mar- 
ried Mary — , and their son Jacob, born Sept. 22, 1736, 
married Susannah Bishop, and the following children 
were born: Caleb, b. Oct. 14, 1759, Mary, b. Dec. 16, 
1761, Joshua, b. April 12, 1764, Jemima, b. Sept. 30, 
1766, Bartholomew, b. March 25, 1769, Jesse, b. March 
29, 1772, Sarah, b. Jan. 11, 1775, John, b. Nov. 3, 1777. 
Of the above children, Joshua married Fanny Pugsley, 
Jan. 5, 1785; issue: Tabitha b. Oct. 23, 1785, William b. 
Oct. 24, 1786, Jemima b. March 10, 1788, Susannah b. 
July 7, 1789, Jacob b. May 28, 1791, Phebe b. Jan. 29, 
1793, John b. July 27, 1794, Betsey b. April 6, 1796, 
Benjamin b. Nov. 1, 1798, Jesse D. b. July 24, 1800, 
Mary b. Aug. 18, 1802, Henry b. May 4, 1804, Samuel b. 
Oct. 23, 1806, Wilson b. Sept. 21, 1808. 

William Ryder, the second child of Joshua and Fanny 
(Pugsley) Ryder, married Susan Lounsberry. Issue: 
Jacob L., Frances Jane, Eliza, Rev. Jesse L., and Mary. 
JOHN FLACK WINSLOW (deceased) was a lineal 
descendant of Kenelm Winslow, the brother of Governor 
Edward Winslow who came over in the Mayflower. Mr. 

380 




M. VAN BENSCHOTEN BUDD 




I. SEBRING BUDD 



I 



1 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Winslow was born in Bennington, Vt., November 5, 1810, 
a son of Captain Richard and Mary (Corning) Winslow. 
His father was an officer in the United States Army, 
1813-1815, and served at the battle of Plattsburg. 

Mr. Winslow began his business career early in life, 
and at the age of twenty-one was manager of the Boonton 
branch of the New Jersey Iron Co. In June, 1837, he 
removed to Troy, N. Y., and became a partner in the 
Albany Iron Works, and for thirty years was connected 
with that industry. He also had extensive interests in 
other iron concerns. In 1860 and 1888 he was a Presi- 
dential elector. His connection with the building of 
the Monitor is part of the nation's history. 

Mr. Winslow purchased Wood Cliff, near Poughkeep- 
sie, in 1867, where he resided until his death in 1892. 
He married Miss Harriet, daughter of Rev. Thomas 
Scudder and Julia Wickes. 

ROBERT K. TUTHILL, M. D. The earliest record 
of the Tuthill family of England, of which Dr. Tuthill 
was a descendant, is found in the Devonshire archives 
recording the name of William Totyl, High Sheriff of 
Devon, and Lord Mayor of the City of Exeter; a son of 
Richard Tottyl and his wife Jean Grafton, a lineal 
descendant of William the Conqueror and his wife 
Maude (or Matilda) grand-daughter of Robert, King of 
France, 1031. 

The more immediate ancestors of Dr. Tuthill were 
among the early settlers of Long Island, some of their 
descendants removing to Orange County, N. Y. It was 
here that Robert K. Tuthill was born, in the city of 
Newburgh, January 18, 1835, a son of Samuel Tuthill, 
M. D., who was born in the town of Blooming Grove, 
Orange County, April 2, 1811, likewise a son of Samuel 
and Eunice (Youngs) Tuthill, who came from Long 

381 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Island. Samuel Tuthill, M. D., married in 1833 Sarah 
M. Kelly, and of their six children two became prom- 
inent physicians, Robert K., and James Y. 

Dr. Robert K. Tuthill graduated from the New York 
Medical College in 1859, and began his professional 
career in Poughkeepsie. In 1861 he was appointed 
surgeon of the 80th N. Y., Vols., and in 1863 was promoted 
to regimental surgeon of the 145th Infantry, and in the 
same year was made brigade surgeon in the 12th Corps; 
in 1864 he was appointed surgeon-in-chief of the entire 
Division. He was in the principal battles of the Army 
of the Potomac, and for a time had charge of the Freder- 
icksburg Hospital. 

At the close of the war Dr. Tuthill resumed private 
practice in Poughkeepsie. He was surgeon-in-chief of 
St. Barnabas Hospital from its organization in 1870 until 
it was closed in 1887, and was then appointed to the 
same position at Vassar Brothers Hospital continuing 
until 1898, when he became a member of the consulting 
staff holding that appointment to the time of his death 
in 1909. 

Dr. Tuthill married in 1864 and is survived by his 
widow and one daughter. 

EDWARD ELSWORTH, twice Mayor of the city of 
Poughkeepsie, president of the Poughkeepsie Savings 
Bank, trustee of Vassar College, and prominent in all 
the activities of this city, was born in New York, Jan- 
uary 6, 1840, and died at his home in Poughkeepsie, Feb- 
ruary 2, 1911. 

He was a son of John and Martha (Van Varick) Els- 
worth, and a lineal descendant of Christoffel Elswaert of 
New York City, a freeholder in 1655, who married Annetje 
Jans in 1658. Their son Willem married Petronella 
Roome, and had children, of whom Theophilus married 

382 






Dutchess and Putnam Counties 



Johanna Hardenbrook. Their son Johannes married 
Hester Roome in 1742, and in 1769 their son William J. 
married Anna Van Dolsen. Issue: John W., who mar- 
ried Sarah Hinton in 1795, and their son John, in 1832, 
married Martha Van Varick. 

The parents of Edward Elsworth settled in Pough- 
keepsie in 1848. He was educated at Rutgers Grammar 
School and the Dutchess County Academy, and then 
entered the State and National Law School in Pough- 
keepsie, from which he was graduated in 1858. He con- 
tinued the study of law in the offices of Thompson & 
Weeks and Homer A. Nelson and was admitted to the 
bar in 1861. He practiced law for several years in 
Dutchess and Rockland counties, and in 1869 entered 
into partnership with Guilford Dudley in the hardware 
and iron business at Poughkeepsie, in which he con- 
tinued for twenty-one years. 

In politics Mr. Elsworth was generally a staunch 
Democrat, but of a pronounced independent type. He 
served as supervisor of the third ward in 1874, and from 
188,0 to 1887 was an active school commissioner. In 
1886 he was elected mayor of the city, and was again 
elected to this office in 1890. Mr. Elsworth was chosen 
a trustee of the Poughkeepsie Savings Bank in 1876, and 
president of the Fallkill National Bank in 1891. He 
remained a trustee of the Fallkill Bank until his death, 
but resigned the presidency in January, 1903, to assume 
that office with the Savings Bank, which he held at the 
time of his death. He was interested in the broader 
aspects of banking and was an influential member of the 
New York State Bankers' Association. He was elected 
chairman of Group VI of this association in 1902. He was 
a trustee of Vassar Brothers' Institute from its foundation 

383 



Biographical and Genealogical 

and its treasurer until 1909. In 1892 he was elected 
trustee of Vassar College, and for a number of years was 
treasurer of the college, succeeding Willard L. Dean. 
He was at one time president of the Holland society, and 
was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, 
and one time was judge advocate of the 8th brigade of 
the National Guard of the State. 

November 26, 1867, Mr. Els worth was united in mar- 
riage with Mary, daughter of Samuel B. Johnston, who 
was for many years vice-president of the Farmers and 
Manufacturers Bank. They were the parents of the 
following children: Edward W., now a resident of 
Watertown, N. Y.; Mary, Grace (deceased), and Ethel. 
Mrs. Elsworth died in 1902, and in 1906 Mr. Elsworth 
married Miss Louise Armstrong of Penn Yan, New York, 
a Vassar graduate, and at that time librarian of the 
College. 

The career of Mr. Elsworth was in many respects 
remarkable, and few men were better qualified than he 
for public service, or for such positions of responsibility 
and trust as he repeatedly held. He was a successful 
lawyer, merchant, banker and public official. A man 
of broad culture and wide reading, the degree of A. M. 
was conferred on him in 1892 by Rutgers College. The 
Edward Elsworth School in Poughkeepsie is a tribute 
to his memory for the services he performed in the cause 
of education. 

CHARLES MARSH KITTRIDGE, M. D. (deceased), 
of Fishkill-on-Hudson, N. Y., was a lineal descendant in 
the seventh generation from John Kittridge who came 
from Lanestoffe, County Suffolk, England, and settled 
at Billerica, Mass., where he received a grant of land in 
1660, and was one of the founders of the town. He mar- 

384 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

ried Mary Littlefield and their son John, born in 1666, 
became a physician. Dr. John Kittridge married Han- 
nah French, and their son Francis, born in 1706, married 

Lydia . They had a son, born in 1736, known as 

Solomon of Billerica. He married in 1755, Tabitha 
Ingalls of Andover, Mass., and they settled at Mount 
Vernon, N. H., where their son Josiah was born July 
26, 1761. He married Mary Baker, and they had seven 
children, of whom Timothy, the second son, married 
Fannie Marsh of Sharon, Vt., January 2, 1831. Their 
fourth child, Charles Marsh Kittridge, was born April 30, 
1838. He married Marcella E. Conant at Mt. Vernon, 
N. H. in 1869, and they had six children: William C, 
Charles A., Edward W., Ida, Harry M., and George D. 
The first three are now deceased (1911). 

Dr. Charles Marsh Kittridge graduated from Amherst 
in 1862, and from Harvard in 1866. In 1862-'63 he 
spent thirteen months in the Army of the Potomac, 
being lieutenant of Company B, 13th New Hampshire 
Volunteers. For three years he was assistant physician 
at the Hartford (Ct.)Retreat, and in 1870 came to Fish- 
kill-on-Hudson, where he established and conducted a 
private home for nervous patients up to the time of his 
death in 1896. 

Politically Dr. Kittridge was a Republican, and was 
chosen president of the village of Fishkill-on-Hudson. 
He was a member of the official board of the Methodist 
Church, and a teacher of the Bible Class in the Sunday 
School. 

On the maternal side Dr. Kittridge is descended from 
William Marsh of Plainfield, Conn., who was wounded in 
the historic Narragansett-Swamp fight of 1675. The 
Marsh line follows: William 1 married Elizabeth Yeo- 

385 



Biographical and Genealogical 

mans, 1682; James 2 married Hannah Shepherd, 1711; 
Isaac 3 married Mary Gilbert, 1742; Joel 4 married Sarah 
Wheeler, 1766; Timothy 5 married Fannie Durkee 18 — ; 
their daughter Fannie 6 married Timothy Kittridge, 1831. 

DR. MITCHELL DOWNING of Poughkeepsie, was 
born in the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess county, 
in 1842, a son of Townsend and Eliza (Mitchell) Down- 
ing. His father was of the Rhode Island family of 
Downings, noted for their frugal and industrious habits 
and longevity, Townsend Downing being the youngest 
in a family of nine children, and he was over fifty years 
of age before a death occurred in the family. Dr. 
Downing's mother, Eliza Mitchell, descended from an 
old Nantucket family. Her father was engaged in the 
whaling business, in which he made a fortune, so con- 
sidered at that time. He was also a Quaker preacher 
of more than usual capability and worth. He was a 
relative of Professor Maria Mitchell, late of Vassar 
College. 

Dr. Downing attended Amenia Seminary, and while 
at this institution decided to prepare himself for the 
dental profession. He served his apprenticeship with 
Dr. J. G. Jillson of Poughkeepsie, and in October of 1864 
opened an office for himself, and has built up a practice 
which places him among the leading men of his pro- 
fession in this city. 

During his residence in Poughkeepsie of nearly half a 
century Dr. Downing has been an active christian worker 
and temperance advocate. He was one of the early 
members of the Young Men's Christian Association in 
this city at the time this association was struggling to 
make its influence felt. He has served as its secretary, 
treasurer, president, and a member of the Board of 

386 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Trustees, and has been a delegate to many of the inter- 
national conventions. He was also one of the committee 
that first held meetings in Union Street, where Faith 
Chapel was built, and was identified with the service 
formerly held at East Poughkeepsie, which has grown 
into the Arlington Sabbath School Association, of which 
he is a trustee. Long a member of the Washington 
Street M. E. Church, Dr. Downing has always taken the 
aggressive side, believing that this spirit, combined with 
good judgment and a true life, is the great need of the 
day in which we live. Politically, Dr. Downing was a 
Republican until the National Convention of 1872 put 
forth its famous sixteenth plank, when he went over to 
the Prohibitionists among whom he has since been a 
leader. He has frequently been nominated to leading 
positions on the ticket of this party, and also been presi- 
dent of the local Prohibition Club and of the Hudson 
Valley Prohibition Circuit. In the early nineties he was 
elected Chairman of the New York State Prohibition 
Committee, a position which he held for five years, 
besides the previous record of eight years' service on 
State Executive Committee. 

Dr. Downing is on his twentieth year of service as 
chairman of Dutchess County Sabbath School Associa- 
tion, and has been a still longer time on the State Com- 
mittee of Sabbath School Association. 

For the past eighteen years he has been a Director of 
the First National Bank, and is now its Vice-President. 

DR. JOHN WARREN ATWOOD, deceased, for 
many years one of the leading practitioners in Southern 
Dutchess, was born at Marion, N. Y., September 14, 
1862, and died at his home, Fishkill-on-Hudson, Feb- 
ruary 21, 1909. He was the son of Charles and Julia 

387 



Biographical and Genealogical 

(Adams) Atwood, his mother being a lineal descendant 
of President John Quincy Adams. 

Dr. Atwood's early education was received at the 
Kansas Normal School, and in 1888 he was graduated 
from the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. He 
began the practice of his profession in his native town 
of Marion, and in 1897 removed to Fishkill-on-Hudson 
where he built up a large practice and was prominently 
identified with public affairs of this village. At the time 
of his death he was a trustee of the School Board of 
Fishkill-on-Hudson. 

Dr. Atwood was a member of the medical staff of 
Highland Hospital, and visiting physician to the Epis- 
copal Orphans' Home of New York and Fishkill. His 
professional affiliations included membership in the 
American Medical Association, the New York State 
and Dutchess County Medical Societies, the Medical 
Club of Poughkeepsie, and the Newburgh Bay Medical 
Society. 

Socially he was vice-president of the local Dutch Arms 
organization, a member of Tompkins Hose Company, of 
Fishkill Lodge, I. O. O. F., and of the Southern Dutchess 
Country Club. 

Dr. Atwood was twice married. His first marriage 
was with Jessie K. Burbank, who died January 1, 1895, 
leaving two children, Bessie V. and Warren G. Novem- 
ber 17, 1898, he married Aida Pearsall of Matteawan, who 
with his children survive him. 

THOMAS EMERSON who for over forty years has 
been in charge of the horticultural department at "The 
Locusts," the Dinsmore estate near Staatsburgh, N. Y., 
was born at Thornhill, Scotland, December 25, 1842, a son 
of William and Isabella Emerson, and grandson of 

388 




SAMUEL BARCLAY ROGERS 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Thomas and Janet Emerson. Thomas Emerson, the 
grandfather, served many years in the British army, 
being one of the veterans of Waterloo. He had five 
children: William, Robert, John, George and Elizabeth. 

In 1832 William Emerson married Isabella McQueen 
a lady of Scotch descent, and seven children were born: 
Elizabeth, Mary, Thomas, Janet, David, Johann and 
William. The father died in 1880, aged 69 years, and 
the mother in 1893, aged 81 years. Thomas Emerson 
qualified himself in the culture of flowers and gardening 
in the nurseries of Scotland and England, and in 1870 
came to America, and in April of that year entered the 
employ of the late William B. Dinsmore. 

J. HARRY MYERS a retired broker residing in the 
town of Poughkeepsie, was born in St. Louis, Mo., 
September 19, 1867, a son of Henry and Sophia 
(Phillips) Myers. His ancestors were among the pioneer 
settlers in the Mississippi Valley. 

Mr. Myers was educated at the schools of his native 
city and Washington University. He received his start 
in business life through the influence of Hon. Roscoe 
Conkling, and his investments in stocks and bonds has 
proved highly profitable. He married in 1887 Miss 
Harriet Barbour, a daughter of John and Alice (Deveroe) 
Barbour of New York City. 

In December, 1909, Mr. Myers purchased the Stouten- 
burgh property, a tract of some four hundred acres, a 
short distance north of Wappingers Falls, and has taken 
up the breeding of fancy cattle. The substantial 
dwelling house on this estate is among the land marks 
of Dutchess county, a portion of it being erected 150 
years ago. 

389 



Biographical and Genealogical 

WILLIAM JOHN TRAVER superintendent of agri- 
culture at the Ogden Mills estate in the town of 
Hyde Park, N. Y., was born in this township September 
1, 1863. He is a descendant of Sebastian Traver of the 
Palatinate on the Rhine, one of the pioneer settlers of 
Dutchess County, his name appearing in the list of tax- 
payers of 1723. His wife was Christina Uhl, daughter of 
Henrich Uhl, also one of the Palatines. Their children 
were: Nicholas born 1720, Henrich, Catherine, Susanna, 
Frederick, Peter, David, Joseph, Anna M., Johannes B., 
Carl and Margaret. 

William Traver, the grandfather of William J., was 
born in Rhinebeck, he married Hannah Emeyville, and 
four children were born: George Henry, Theron Edgar, 
Michael and Sarah Emily. Michael Traver married 
Mary Ellen Laird, and his son William J. married in 
1909, Eudora, daughter of George L. Emigh, of N. 
Chatham, Columbia County, N. Y. 

ARTHUR GREELY TOBEY, for twenty-five years 
editor and publisher of The Sunday Courier, Pough- 
keepsie, N. Y., was born in this city, May 5, 1850, a son 
of Henry L. and Eliza A. (Seabury) Tobey. 

Mr. Tobey was a lineal descendant, in the eighth 
generation, of Thomas Tobey who came from England 
at an early date and settled at Sandwich in Plymouth 
Colonv, Mass. In the town records of Sandwich his 
name is frequently mentioned. In 1644 he subscribed 
"7s. for the meeting house." Nov. 7, 1652, he was one 
committee appointed to take care of all the fish taken by 
the Indians within the town borders. In 1658 he was 
chosen constable; in 1660 one of the highway surveyors; 
a juryman in 1663 and 1668; excise officer from 1662 to 
1668. He was one of the three townsmen selected in 

390 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

1676 to assign soldiers to duty, furnish ammunition, 
etc., in the time of King Philip's war. 

Thomas Tobey was twice married. His first mar- 
riage is thus recorded in the town book of Sandwich: 
"Thomas Tobie and Martha Knott were married the 
18th of November, Anno 1650." Martha was a daughter 
of George Knott, one of the ten founders of Sandwich. 
Seven sons and three daughters were born to Thomas 
and Martha Tobey, but only the names of the sons are 
of record: Thomas, 2 John, Nathan, Ephraim, Jonathan, 
Samuel and Gershom, the last named is the direct an- 
cestor of Arthur G. Tobey. 

Gershom 2 (Thomas 1 ) born in Sandwich; married in 
1697, Mehitabel daughter of Ambrose and Hannah 
Fish. Issue: Jerosha, Temperance, Silas, Barnabas, 
Ephraim, Mehitable, Gershom. 

Ephraim (Gershom, 2 Thomas 1 ) the fifth child in 
order of birth, was born at Sandwich, July 22, 1711. 

He married Reliance in 1737, died in 1755, and 

his widow removed to Sharon, Conn. Of his seven 
children, Elisha, the eldest, continues this line. 

Elisha (Ephraim, 3 Gershom, 2 Thomas 1 ) born in 
Sandwich, Jan. 2, 1738; died Feb. 23, 1808 at Alford, 

Mass.; married Susanna who died Feb. 8, 1821. 

Elisha Tobey was a farmer and weaver. He served in 
the Revolution, and in 1780, was promoted to Captain 
of the 2d Company, 14th Regiment Connecticut Troops. 
In 1792 he removed to Alvord, Mass., where he pur- 
chased a tract of 500 acres. He had nine children, all 
born in Sharon, Conn. 

Barnabas (Elisha, 4 Ephraim, 3 Gershom 2 , Thomas 1 ) 
born in 1768; married first, Lucinda, daughter of Dea- 
con Joseph Lander of Sharon. He married second, 

391 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Mrs. Abbie (Hurd) Pray. Issue: Erastus, Henry, Al- 
bert, Heman, Orville, and John E. P. Barnabas Tobey 
was one of the first members of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church of Sharon in 1829. 

Heman (Barnabas, 5 Elisha, 4 Ephraim, 3 Gershom 2 , 
Thomas 1 ) was born in Sharon, Conn., in 1793 and at 
maturity was a merchant in Poughkeepsie; married 
Hannah Boland of Sharon, Conn.; she died May 14, 
1835. He died August 25, 1873. Issue: Horace N. 
(died in infancy), Horace M., Henry L., Harriet B., 
Sophronia E., Mary Jane, Sophia Ann, Norman. 

Henry L. (Heman, 6 Barnabas, 5 Elisha, 4 Ephraim, 8 
Gershom, 2 Thomas 1 ) was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., 
June 8, 1824. He learned the printer's trade in the 
office of The Eagle, Poughkeepsie, going from there to 
Kingston where he was employed as a writer on The 
Journal. He subsequently went to Utica, N. Y., where 
he became one of the editors of the Utica Herald, and 
where he died April 13, 1860. He married Eliza A. 
Seabury of Poughkeepsie, and the following children 
were born: Heman A., Clara, Arthur G., and Catherine. 

Arthur G. (Henry L., 7 Heman, 6 Barnabas, 5 Elisha, 4 
Ephraim, 3 Gershom, 2 Thomas 1 ) was born in Poughkeep- 
sie, May 5, 1850, and died at his home here December 7, 
1911. He attended the public schools of Utica during 
the time his father was editor of the Utica Herald. In 
1865 he returned to Poughkeepsie where he learned the 
printing business with T. G. Nichols who then conducted 
the Morning News, remaining with this newspaper until 
1871. 

In 1872 Mr. Tobey became manager and local editor 
of the Sunday Courier, continuing that position until 
1888, when he purchased the paper, which at that time 

392 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

had grown, largely through his efforts, to a circulation 
of about 5,000. Mr. Tobey tried to the best of his 
energies to produce a newspaper clean and truthful, and 
The Courier grew rapidly in prestige and patronage, the 
public regarding it as a journal of information, instruc- 
tion, and entertainment on wholesome lines. The paper 
increased in size from six to twenty-four pages, and its 
circulation multiplied until in 1911, it had reached nearly 
12,000. Mr. Tobey's success as a newspaper man was 
remarkable. His energy, truthfulness, honesty of pur- 
pose, and clear business judgment were reflected in 
The Courier, which will stand as his monument. 

October 24, 1875, Mr. Tobey married Florence, daugh- 
ter of Monroe Deyo, of Highland, N. Y. Four chil- 
dren were born of whom two died in childhood. Mr. 
Tobey is survived by his wife, his son Earle D. now gen- 
eral manager of The Courier, and a daughter Florence E. 

THE HOYT FAMILY, of Staatsburgh, N. Y., de- 
scend on the paternal side from Walter Hoyt, who 
purchased land and settled at Norwalk, Conn., in 1640. 
Walter Hoyt was the son of Simon Hoyt, who emigrated 
from England and landed at Salem, Mass., in 1628. 
Lydig Hoyt the first of this family to make his home in 
Dutchess County, was born in the City of New York, 
Jan. 24, 1821, a son of Goold and Sabina (Sheaf) Hoyt. 
Goold Hoyt was a merchant in New York, trading with 
China. His children were Henry, Goold, Sabina (Red- 
mond), Lydig and Emily (Sears). 

The maternal ancestry of the present generation of 
the Hoyts of Staatsburgh is traced to the Beekman, 
Livingston, Lewis families — names indelibly written on 
the pages of our country's history. 

Lydig Hoyt married, Sept. 6, 1842, Geraldine, 

393 



Biographical and Genealogical 

youngest daughter of Maturin and Margaret Livingston. 
Mrs. Maturin Livingston (1780-1860) was the only child 
of General Morgan Lewis (1754-1844), an officer in the 
Revolution; Attorney General 1791; Chief Justice in 
1801-4; Governor 1804-6; Senator 1811-14 and Major 
General U. S. A. 1813. He died April 7, 1844, and was 
buried in Hyde Park, N. Y. 

His father, Francis Lewis, was a member of the Con- 
tinental Congress in 1776, and one of the signers of the 
Declaration of Independence. 

Mrs. Morgan Lewis (1757-1833) was Gertrude Liv- 
ingston, daughter of Robert R. Livingston (1718-75), 
the grandson of the first Lord of the Manor. He 
married Margaret, daughter of Col. Henry Beekman, Jr., 
and they became the parents of distinguished sons and 
noted daughters among them the following: Robert R. 
was the Chancellor Livingston, who administered the 
oath of office to Washington as first President; Col. 
Henry Beekman Livingston, a gallant officer in the Revo- 
lution; Edward Livingston, Secretary of State under 
President Jackson. Their daughters married men who 
also held marked positions viz: General Richard Mont- 
gomery, General John Armstrong, General Morgan Lewis, 
Dr. Thomas Tillotson and Rev. Freeborn Garrettson. 

Five children were born to Lydig and Geraldine 
(Livingston) Hoyt; one who died in infancy, and 
Angelica Livingston, Gerald Livingston, Henry Sheaf 
and Gertrude Livingston. 

"The Point" the Hoyt country place at Staatsburgh 
was a part of the Morgan Lewis estate, and is now owned 
by Gerald Livingston Hoyt, who married November 22, 
1881, Mary E., daughter of Daniel F. Appleton of New 
York. They have two children, Julia Marion, and Lydig. 

394 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

MATURIN LIVINGSTON, who married Margaret 
Lewis, was the son of Robert James Livingston, and 
Susan Smith. She was the daughter of the Honorable 
William Smith, a member of the Privy Council, and 
a Judge under the Colonial Government. 

Robert James, was the son of James Livingston and 
Maria Kiersted. 

This James Livingston was the son of Robert Living- 
ston, and Margaretta Schuyler, and with his two brothers 
served with General Montgomery at Quebec. 

This Robert Livingston, known as the nephew, was 
the son of James Livingston, and came to this country 
to join Robert Livingston, the first Lord of the Manor, 
who was his father's younger brother. 

This Robert Livingston (the nephew) married Marga- 
retta Schuyler, who was the daughter of Peter Schuyler 
and the niece of Alida Schuyler, the wife of his uncle, 
Robert Livingston, the first Lord of the Manor. She, 
Alida, was the widow of Dominie Nicolaus Van Rens- 
selaer, and the connection between the Livingstons, 
Schuylers and Van Rensselaers goes back to her and her 
two husbands. 

This Robert, the first Lord, came over about 1674, 
and he and James, the father of the nephew Robert 
(from whom Maturin Livingston was descended), were 
the sons of John Livingston, who, driven out of Scotland 
for non-conformity, took refuge in Rotterdam, where he 
had a parish for nine years. He made two unsuccessful 
attempts to come to America. His father and grand- 
father were ministers, and his great-grandfather, who 
was killed in the battle of Pinkiefield, was the son of the 
Lord Livingston, who was the first Earl of Linlithgow. 

395 



Biographical and Genealogical 

They seem to have married Livingstons, relatives 
of the Livingstons of Callender, and to have been people 
of importance in Scotland. 

CAPTAIN PETER EDWARD LE FEVRE (de- 
ceased) was born in New York City November 1841, and 
died in 1906. He was a son of Rev. J. W. and Sallie 
(Baldwin) Le Fevre. His father, a Methodist Episcopal 
clergyman, was born at New Rochelle, N. Y., a descend- 
ant of one of the original Huguenot settlers of that place. 

Captain LeFevre was educated at the schools of New 
Rochelle, and followed the sea for a few years. He then 
entered the service of the Ocean Steamship Co. (Savan- 
nah Line), and during the succeeding thirty years he 
designed and built practically all the steamships of this 
Company. 

In 1870 Captain Le Fevre married Marcia Inez, 
daughter of Hon. Thomas Smead, lawyer and Congress- 
man from Bradford County, Pa. Marcia Denison Ely 
(1821-1897), the wife of Hon. Thomas Smead, was a 
lineal descendant of Rev. George Ely, vicar of Tenderden, 
County of Kent, England. His son Nathaniel born 
1605, sailed from Ipswich to Boston in the bark Elizabeth 
in 1634, and settled at Newtown, Mass. Samuel Ely, 
son of Nathaniel, married Mary daughter of Robert Day 
also a passenger on the Elizabeth. They removed to 
Springfield, Mass. and had 16 children, of whom Samuel 
became the father of Capt. Levi Ely, born 1732, and killed 
by the Indians on the Mohawk river Oct. 19, 1780. 
Capt. Levi Ely's son George (1766-1819) was the father 
of Quartus (1795-1850) Quartus was the father of Marcia 
Denison (Ely) Smead and grandfather of Marcia Inez 
(Smead) Le Fevre. 

Capt. and Mrs. LeFevre made their home in New York 
City where their children Inez and Francis Edward were 

396 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

born. The family now reside in Paris, and maintain a 
country place at Chelsea, Dutchess County, N. Y. 

RICHARD F. MAHER, historian, author, town 
clerk of Dover, and game protector of Dutchess and 
Putnam Counties, was born in Brewster, Putnam 
County, September 27, 1877. He is a son of John V. 
Maher, who owned the marble and granite works at 
Brewster thirty years ago. Mr. Maher received his 
education in the public school at Brewster, and at Bangs 
Academy, Dover Plains (where he went to live with his 
uncle, the late David Maher, after the death of his father) . 
He then entered Fordham College, graduating in 1896. 
Since leaving college he has acquired considerable 
prominence as a politician and writer. He is the author 
of "Historic Dover" and "Echoes of the Past," and 
contributed to Judge Hasbrouck's "Dutchess County 
History". Politically Mr. Maher is a Democrat. He is 
a member of the New York Historical Society, B. P. O. 
Elks, Florentine Council K. of C, Fordham University 
Alumni, and the National Sportsman's Association. 
Mr. Maher resides at Dover Plains, N. Y. 

THE SCHRAUTH FAMILY. Jacob Schrauth, a 
retired Poughkeepsie merchant, is the founder of this 
family in America. In reviewing his genealogical record 
we find that Kreuznach, in the Rhine Province, Germany, 
was the birthplace of several generations of this family. 
Here John Schrauth, the grandfather of Jacob, was born, 
and became a prosperous hotel-keeper. He was the 
father of a large family, of whom his son John, the father 
of Jacob, was also engaged in the hotel business, as well 
as in farming. He was twice married, and in 1816 chose 
for his second wife, Margaret Wycell, and they became 
the parents of eight children as follows: Jacob, Laura, 

397 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Kate, Minnie, Julia, Louis, Eliza, and Benia. These 
children were reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church 
of which the parents were devout members. John 
Schrauth died in 1875, and his wife in 1885. 

Jacob Schrauth was born at Kreuznach April 18, 
1834, where he spent the first twenty years of his life, 
during which time he learned the cooper's trade. In 
1854 he came to America, and remained three years in 
New York City where he served his apprenticeship as a 
baker. In 1857 he came to Poughkeepsie, and was em- 
ployed as a baker nine years. In 1866 Mr. Schrauth 
engaged in the bakery business for himself at 153 Main 
St. He soon introduced ice-cream and confectionery 
and his trade expanded rapidly. May 1, 1897, his sons 
Edward L. and William H. purchased the business 
forming a co-partnership under the name of J. Schrauth's 
Sons, which they have carried on with marked success. 
In 1902 they opened their present retail salesroom at 149 
and 151 Main St., adjoining the old store. 

Jacob Schrauth married in 1860, Miss Katherine 
daughter of John and Katherine (Rice) Schneider, natives 
of Bavaria, Germany. John Schneider participated in 
the Civil War, being a sergeant in the Union Army. He 
resided in Poughkeepsie and was engaged in the manu- 
facture of cigar boxes. His children were Magdalina, 
Katherine, Rose and Gretche. 

Politically Mr. Jacob Schrauth is a Republican, and 
served two years as a member of the Board of Water 
Commissioners; he has also been appointed a member 
of several important commissions in Poughkeepsie. 
For twelve years he was president of the German 
Singing Society, and is a member of the Odd Fellows and 
of the German Lutheran Church. 

398 



Dutchess and Putnam C o unties 

Seven children were born to Jacob and Katherine 
Schrauth, namely: Charles J.; one who died in infancy; 
Minnie who married William H. Frank; Edward L. 
of the firm of J. Schrauth's Sons; Kate, who married 
William LaPaugh; William H. of the firm of J. Schrauth's 
Sons, and Cora who married Henry B. Bauer. 

Edward Lewis Schrauth was born in Poughkeepsie, 
April 25, 1869. After graduating from Eastman's Busi- 
ness College, he entered his father's employ and in 1897, 
as already stated became a partner in the firm of J. 
Schrauth's Sons. His first wife was Miss Josephine C. 
Beigel, by whom he has one daughter, Helen. For his 
second wife he married in 1903, Miss Georgia Van Wyck, 
and four children were born: Josephine, Nathalie, 
Edward L. Jr., and Jacob (deceased). Mr. Schrauth, 
twice a widower, chose for his third wife Emma L. Carey, 
by whom he has one daughter, Elizabeth M. Socially 
he is a member of the Elks, Odd Fellows, Royal Arcanum, 
German Gents' Benevolent Society, Phoenix Hose Co., 
and the Veteran Fireman's Association. 

William Henry Schrauth was born in Poughkeepsie, 
April 18, 1874. He was educated at the public schools, 
and then engaged with his father and brother in the 
bakery and confectionery business, becoming a member 
of the firm of J. Schrauth's Sons in 1897. He married 
October 16, 1896, Matilda daughter of Berthold and 
Magdalena Seeholzer, natives of Germany. He has 
three children: Edna C, Clara M., and William J. 
Mr. Schrauth is a member of the First Reformed Church, 
and in Masonic circles is identified with Poughkeepsie 
Lodge F. and A. M. and Poughkeepsie Chapter R. A. M; 
a member of the Elks, Odd Fellows, Royal Arcanum, 
German Gents' Benevolent Society. 

399 



Biographical and Genealogical 

ERNEST DA VIES, assistant general manager of the 
Green Fuel Economizer Company, Matteawan, N. Y., 
was born in Liverpool, England, September 27, 1868, 
the son of Moses and Nancy (Ray) Davies, both of whom 
were members of old families of that section. In child- 
hood the family removed to Newton Heath, a suburb of 
Manchester. Ernest Davies was educated at the British 
Day School in Manchester, and at the Manchester 
School of Technology from which he was graduated in 
1883 in the department of engineering. He served a six 
years' apprenticeship with the Lancashire & Yorkshire 
Railway, followed by one year's work with Armstrong, 
Whitworth & Co. of Manchester. He then came to 
America, and in 1892 spent a year with the Canadian 
Pacific Railway in the Canadian Northwest. In 1893 he 
came to Matteawan, and engaged with the Green Fuel 
Economizer Co., where he has worked in the various 
departments filling every position from the lowest up to 
his present very important one. 

Upon reaching New York Mr. Davies determined to 
become an American citizen and at once took out his 
first papers, and in 1898 he was made a full fledged 
citizen. In politics he is a Republican; in fraternal 
circles an A. F. & A. M. having been raised in Lodge of 
Truth, No. 1458, Manchester, England, now affiliating 
with Beacon Lodge, No. 283 F. & A. M. at Matteawan, 
and a member of Highland Chapter, No. 52, R. A. M. 
Newburgh, N. Y. He is a member of the Southern 
Dutchess Choral Union, and bass soloist in St. Luke's 
Episcopal Church, Matteawan. During his residence 
in England, Mr. Davies was a member of All Saints' 
Choir in Manchester. 

On October 12, 1898, Ernest Davies was married to 

400 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Grace, the daughter of John R. and Sarah F. Hemingway 
of Matteawan. Her father, John R. Hemingway, was 
connected with the Newburgh, Dutchess and Connecti- 
cut Railroad, and died in 1897. 

Ernest and Grace H. Davies were the parents of two 
children : Reginald Hemingway, and Grace Marion from 
whom the mother was called away September 7, 1910. 

CHARLES BENJAMIN WILTSE (deceased), for 
26 years train despatcher and car accountant for the 
N. D. and C. Railroad at Matteawan, N. Y., was the 
only son of Alonzo Sillack and Mary E. (Benson) Wiltse, 
and was born at Fishkill-on-Hudson, Jan. 25, 1863. He 
is descended on both sides of the family from Holland- 
Dutch ancestors and comes of an old Dutchess county 
family. Alonzo's father, Benjamin Wiltse, a farmer in 
the town of Fishkill, was born May 4, 1799; married 
Margaret Ann Tidd who was born December 22, 1801, 
and they were parents of eight children: Jane, Annis, 
Catherine, Margaret, Peter, Charles, Cyrus and Alonzo 
S. Margaret A. T. Wiltse died January 9, 1868, and 
Benjamin followed her January 1, 1881. 

Alonzo S. Wiltse was born at the old homestead in 
the town of Fishkill, April 24, 1840. He attended the 
district schools, and when nineteen years old began 
business life by engaging with the dry goods firm of 
S. G. & J. T. Smith, with whom he remained six years. 
He then entered the employ of the N. D. and C. Railroad 
Co., having entire charge of all the buildings and bridges 
along the line. This position he held until 1880 when he 
was appointed engineer at Sing Sing Prison which he 
held until 1888 when he returned to Fishkill-on-Hudson 
and established himself in the grocery business contin- 
uing until 1896. In that year he bought the Keane 

401 



Biographical and Genealogical 

property at Glenham and removed to that place where 
he died August 28, 1903. 

In March, 1862, Alonzo S. Wiltse was married to 
Mary E. the daughter of Captain John and Priscilla H. 
Benson, a descendant of a prominent family of Highland, 
Ulster county, N. Y. In Highland Cemetery Captain 
Benson and all his family are buried. 

Alonzo S. and Mary E. Wiltse had two children 
Charles Benjamin and Carrie Lillian Wiltse. Charles 
B. was born at Fishkill Landing, January 25, 1863, and 
was educated in the public schools of his native place. 
After leaving school he worked as clerk at the station at 
Matteawan when Weldon F. Weston was agent of the 
N. D. & C. Railroad there, and during this time Mr. 
Wiltse learned telegraphy. For some years he was at 
the telegraph office at Matteawan, and later went to 
Dutchess Junction where he took charge of the station. 
Returning to Matteawan he was appointed train dis- 
patcher for this Railroad Company and for 26 years, 
or until the Central New England Railroad Company 
bought the road in 1905, he acted as train dispatcher and 
car accountant there. The business done by the New 
Haven Railroad which had leased trackage rights over 
the N. D. & C. tracks made this position an important 
one. When the road was sold the Central New England 
railroad removed the dispatcher's office, and requested 
Mr. Wiltse to go to Hartford and enter their service. 
He refused and retired to his farm at Glenham. In 1908 
he was appointed station agent at Glenham, and he then 
purchased the coal business of E. A. Underhill at that 
place which he conducted until his death which occurred 
April 6, 1911. He was a strong Republican, but held 
no public offices. He was a Past Master of Beacon 

402 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Lodge, No. 283, F. & A. M. of Fishkill Landing, and Past 
Chancellor of Hudson River Lodge, No. 57, Knights of 
Pythias of Matteawan. 

On February 25, 1886, Mr. Wiltse married Annie B., 
daughter of John P. and Esther (Mase) Griffin, who with 
one son, Howard Benson, survives him. John P. Griffin's 
grandfather Daniel was born in Greene county, N. Y. 
His father's name also was Daniel, born in Greene county, 
a farmer of Halcott, who married Cornelia Sole, who came 
from Germany. In 1862 in Greene county, N. Y., John 
P. Griffin married Esther Mase, a sister of the late 
Willard H. Mase of Matteawan, and daughter of Peter 
Mase of Red Falls, Greene Co., N. Y. In 1864 John P. 
and Esther Griffin came to Matteawan, where, with the 
exception of one year in Newark, New Jersey, and three 
years in Reading, Pennsylvania, they lived the remainder 
of their lives, Esther dying January 6, 1911. They had 
five children, two of whom died while young. The 
remaining three were Annie, who married Charles B. 
Wiltse; Jennie, who married George Alexander of Arling- 
ton, N. J., and they have one son, Russell born June 21, 
1906; and William J., now a machinist in the Stanley 
Works, New Britain, Conn. 

Howard Benson Wiltse was born February 11, 1887. 
He was educated at Matteawan high school, Newburgh 
Academy, and Eastman's Business College at Pough- 
keepsie. He started his business career as bookkeeper 
and assistant office manager for the Dutchess Tool 
Company, with whom he remained from 1906 to 1910. 
In June, 1910, he became office manager for Levi Lumb's 
Son, Poughkeepsie, but resigned January 1, 1911, in 
order to continue the coal business at Glenham, formerly 
conducted by his father. 

403 



Biographical and G enealo gical 

June 27, 1908, Howard B. Wiltse married Edna 
Mae, daughter of Albert and Nancy (Cook) Haight of 
Fishkill. Albert Haight was the youngest of the eight 
children of Henry W. Haight, a farmer and extensive 
dealer in ship timber of Philipstown, Putnam county, N. 
Y., where his father Joshua Haight was born and where 
his ancestors for generations had lived. The Haight 
family is a very numerous and important one, being 
descended from Baron Johannes Von Haight who went 
from Normandy to Britain during the thirteenth or 
fourteenth century. Their earliest American ancestor 
was Simon Haight, or Hoyt, born in Dorsetshire, 
England, in 1595, who with his wife, son John, and two or 
three other children, left England in the good ship 
"Abigail" October 6, 1628, with Colonel, afterward 
Governor John Endicott. Simon settled first at Salem, 
Mass., and died September 1, 1657, at Stamford, Conn., 
where numbers of descendants live under the name of 
Hoyt. Simon's son John, grandson John, great-grand- 
son Daniel, and great-great-grandson Joseph, all lived 
in Westchester county, N. Y. Joseph, in 1751, came to 
Philipstown, Putnam county, and erected a log house by 
the old Indian path on the west side of Clove creek. 
In 1765 he built from materials made on the farm, in the 
saw mill, blacksmith and carpenter shop, the first frame 
house erected on the east side of Clove creek. Joseph 
was the progenitor of the Haight families of Putnam and 
Dutchess counties. He was born in 1719 and married 
Hannah Wright, and had twelve children of whom the 
eighth, Beverly, born 1763, married Charity Hustis, and 
had eight children the third of whom, Joshua, was 
Albert Haight's grandfather. 

Nancy (Cook) Haight, mother of Mrs. H. B. Wiltse, 

404 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

was a daughter of Bennett and Ann (Dibble) Cook. 
Bennett Cook was a farmer and stock raiser of Hunter's 
Land, Schoharie County, N. Y., and was a son of John 
Cook of New England. 

HENRY H. SCHROWANG of the firm of Hoff- 
man & Schrowang, was born at Whiteport, Ulster 
County, N. Y., in 1854. He is a son of Frank and Mary 
(Schomberg) Schrowang, old residents of Ulster County. 

After attending the schools of his native place, the 
subject of this sketch at the age of seventeen, went west 
locating at Milwaukee, Wis., where he qualified for a 
business career in Spencer's Business College, graduating 
in 1872. He then secured a position as book-keeper and 
salesman with the Eagle Flour Mills of Milwaukee, with 
whom he remained for thirty years and during that 
period he established a branch depot for this firm at 
Chicago, which he managed successfully for 12 years. 

In 1898 Mr. Schrowang returned to his native home, 
and was united in marriage with Miss Caroline, daughter 
of Nicholas Hoffman of Poughkeepsie, and they are the 
parents of one child, Olga E. The family are members 
of the Church of the Nativity. 

Politically Mr. Schrowang is a staunch Democrat, 
and while not aspiring to public office, he takes an active 
interest in the welfare of his chosen party. 

In the management of the Hoffman House and atten- 
tion to his various real estate holdings, Mr. Schrowang 
is regarded as one of Poughkeepsie's aggressive citizens, 
fostering all matters that pertain to a bigger and better 
city. 

EDWIN BROCKWAY, one of the largest manu- 
facturers of brick in the Hudson valley, was born at 
Glasco, Ulster County, N. Y., May 20, 1838. He is the 

405 






Biographical and Genealogical 

son of John and Phebe (Goldsmith) Brockway, both 
natives of Orange county. 

John Brockway born Feb. 28, 1810, was raised on a 
farm, and at the age of fifteen began learning the brick- 
maker's trade. He was engaged in the manufacture of 
brick at Haverstraw, N. Y., from 1845 to 1884, building 
up an extensive business. He died in 1886. 

Edwin Brockway was educated in the public school 
of Haverstraw, and started in business with his father in 
1863, the partnership continuing until 1884. He was 
also engaged in the brick business with his brother-in-law, 
George W. Smith, from 1879 to 1889 at Haverstraw. 

In 1886, Edwin Brockway and sons formed the 
Brockway Brick Company of which Edwin Brockway is 
president; E. Joseph Brockway, treasurer; C. LaRue 
Brockway, secretary; and Frank A. Brockway, general 
manager. They bought eighty-seven acres of very 
valuable clay land midway between Fish kill Landing 
and Chelsea, where Brockway postoffice is now located. 
In the spring of 1887 they began fitting it up, and in 1888 
commenced the manufacture of brick which has been 
continued ever since, the plant constantly growing, with 
an annual capacity in 1911 of fifty million brick. 

In 1907 the firm remodeled their entire plant and 
installed a 600 H. P. Engine, introducing electric power 
for the operation of their brick-making machines. 
Shortly thereafter a great slide occurred of the bank 
nearest the power house. It crushed in the eastern side 
of the power house, moved the boilers and came near 
sweeping all into the river, the transverse walls alone 
preventing the destruction of the engines. It was the 
first slide which had occurred, and no cause for it could 
be discovered. The following year another slide occur- 

406 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

red. Later when the clay had been removed to a greater 
distance a very large spring was encountered, the waters 
of which came forth with a rush, and the cause was 
revealed. The sand used in making brick at this plant 
is brought on scows from Plum Point, two miles below 
Newburgh. The Brockway Brothers also operate a 
larger brick yard at Dutchess Junction. 

On December 11, 1861, Edwin Brockway was married 
to Lydia A., daughter of Reverend J. J. Smith of Tomp- 
kins Cove. They were the parents of four children: 
E. Joseph, Frank A., Fannie Lucretia, and Charles 
LaRue. 

E. Joseph Brockway was born at Haverstraw, N. Y., 
May 23, 1864, and educated in the public schools there. 
On September 19, 1904, he married Miss Laura Mayell, 
daughter of Major Henry Mayell of New York, who was 
with General Custer all through the Civil War. They 
live at Brockway, N. Y., and have two children: A. 
Joseph Brockway, born July 1, 1905; and Howard Leroy, 
born October 28, 1909. E. Joseph Brockway is treasurer 
of The Brockway Brick Company and president of 
Brockway Brothers & Company. 

THE VAN DYNE FAMILY. This family whose 
remote origin is French, derive their name, originally 
called de Duyn and now commonly written Van Dyne, 
from their ancient estate Duyn in Burgundy. They 
early attained a rank among the titled families of France 
and many of them engaged in the crusades to the Holy 
Lands. The family spread in the course of time, and 
portions located in the region of the Rhine, and Holland, 
whence sprang the American family. 

Gerrit Cornelisz Van Dyne, of Zwol, in the province of 
Overyssel, emigrated to America with his wife Jacomina 

407 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Jacobs in 1649. (See N. Y. Doc. Hist. I, 660). They 
settled on Long Island, and became influential members 
of the Dutch Church at New Utrecht during Dominie 
Van Zuren's ministry. Gerrit C. Van Dyne died in 
1706, and left the following children: Cornelius, Denys, 
Abraham and Aeltie. 

William H. Van Dyne, son of Oliver and Susan 
(Smith) Van Dyne, belonged to a family long identified 
with affairs in Dutchess County, and a direct descendant 
of Gerrit C. Van Dyne, who brought the family arms to 
America from Holland. He was born December 18, 
1831, and passed his younger days on his father's farm. 
He married Miss Anna C. Brevoort, daughter of Alfred 
Brevoort of Fishkill, and soon after his marriage went to 
Milton, Ulster County, where he formed a co-partnership 
with his brother in a general store. Later he removed to 
Hackensack, N. Y., and in two years came to Poughkeep- 
sie where he made his home to the time of his death 
January 14, 1905. His wife died July 3, 1893. They 
were the parents of five children: James H.; Frank B.; 
Susan; Minnie and Edward. Mr. Van Dyne was an 
earnest supporter of the Democratic party, and a member 
of the Reformed Dutch Church. 

Frank B. Van Dyne was born in Milton, Ulster 
County, October 10, 1857, and came to Poughkeepsie 
with his parents in 1864, where he was educated. In 
1875 he began his apprenticeship as an undertaker, and a 
few years later the undertaking firm o* Van Dyne & 
Mellady was formed and continued until 1893, when it 
was dissolved, and Mr. Van Dyne conducted the business 
alone. 

June 30, 1891, Mr. Van Dyne married Minnie C. 
daughter of William A. Cox, of Clinton, Dutchess 

408 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

County. One daughter was born, Ruth. Mrs. Van 
Dyne died March 11, 1893. 

PROF. JOHN GAYLORD MURPHY, for over half 
a century a conspicuous figure in the field of educa- 
tion in New York State, was born at South Worcester, 
Otsego County, N. Y., July 13, 1818, and died at his 
home at Fishkill-on-Hudson, Jan. 19, 1910. He was a 
son of John and Kate Murphy, and a grandson of 
Timothy Murphy of Revolutionary fame, who partici- 
pated in the battles of Bunker Hill and Saratoga and 
who shot and killed General Frazier, the British com- 
mander in the latter battle. Timothy Murphy was a 
noted Indian fighter, the scenes of his exploits being 
largely in Schoharie County. 

Prof. Murphy was a self-educated man and was 
reared amid surroundings which admirably fitted him 
for the work of an educator. At a very early age he was 
adopted by Mr. and Mrs. John Gaylord of Harpersfield, 
Delaware County, N. Y. Mrs. Gaylord was a daughter 
of Roswell Hotchkiss, whose wife was a daughter of Col. 
John Harper, of Revolutionary fame, and the home 
influences thus established had much to do with moulding 
in John Gaylord Murphy the characteristics which made 
him so useful in his later life. He was the founder of 
Stamford (N. Y.) Academy, and for a time principal of 
Delhi Academy. He was also professor of mathematics 
and vice-principal of Ashland Academy in Greene Coun- 
ty. During his term as principal of the Essex County 
High School he instructed the children of many noted 
men, including those of Judges Hale, Kellogg, Hand and 
Pond. 

In 1870 Prof. Murphy accepted the principalship 
of the Matteawan High School, and during his incum- 

409 



Biographical and Genealogical 

bency initiated many movements which improved the 
standard of education. He was deeply interested in and 
thoroughly understood the Col. Francis Parker methods of 
instruction so widely used in Massachusetts, and strove 
to inaugurate here the Parker methods of schooling. 

Prof. Murphy married Sarah C. Myer, daughter of 
Robert Rutsen Livingston Myer, of Troy, N. Y., and 
eight children were born of whom the following are 
living in 1912: Mrs. Ella E. Brundage, D. Gaylord 
Murphy, Harper B. and Fred T. Murphy of Fishkill, 
Mrs. Margaret Rickerson of Mechanicville, N. Y., and 
Frank J. Murphy of Danbury, Conn. 

D. Gaylord Murphy who was elected president of 
the village of Fishkill-on-Hudson, for three successive 
terms, was born in Greene County in 1853, and has been 
connected with the Dutchess Hat Works for thirty-two 
years. He has always taken an aggressive part in 
municipal affairs and during his terms of office effected 
many local improvements which continue to the present 
time. 

PETER B. LAWSON (deceased), inventor and man- 
ufacturer, was the son of Abraham and Rachel (Fidun) 
Lawson of New York City where he was born and edu- 
cated. On the paternal side he was of Scotch descent, 
and on the maternal side of French and Indian lineage. 
He entered the employ of the West Point Foundry at 
Cold Spring, N. Y. in 1840, at an early age, and by virtue 
of his worth and of his inventive and mechanical ability 
he won rapid promotion and continued with this concern 
throughout the remainder of his life. > 

He was a strong adherent of the democratic party but 
declined political honors except a local office such as 

410 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

trustee of the village. He was a member of the Episco- 
pal church, and is called the father of Philipstown Lodge, 
No. 236, F. & A. M., at Cold Spring, in the establishment 
of which he was a moving spirit. He was a great friend 
of the poet, General George P. Morris, whose summer 
home, "Undercliff" was near by; and his daughter, 
Emma, now possesses a copy of the author's poems 
which was presented by General Morris to Mr. Lawson 
in 1854. 

Peter B. Lawson married Margaret von Eisenberg, 
of New York City. They had seven children, of whom 
five reached maturity: Margaret; William K.; Emma; 
Peter and Martina. The last two died some years ago; 
Margaret died January 29, 1911; Emma lives in the old 
homestead at Cold Spring, and William resides in New 
York City. Mr. Lawson died in 1879, and his widow in 
1891. 

William K. Lawson has been for many years and is now, 
an inspector in the Customs Service in New York City. 
He married Elizabeth, daughter of Elisha Baxter and 
they have an only child, Elizabeth, who married William 
Phyfe, son of James and Marian (Thom) Phyfe of Peeks- 
kill. William and Elizabeth Phyfe have two sons. 
(1) William Lawson Phyfe, born in 1888, married 
Olive Adams, daughter of William Adams of Cold 
Spring; and (2) James Duncan Phyfe who in 1911 is a 
student at the Haldane high school. 

JOSEPH ALFRED GREENE, lawyer, of Cold 
Spring, Putnam county, N. Y., having an office also in 
Ossining, was born September 28, 1874, at Brewster, 
N. Y. He is a son of Frank H. and Almira Jeannette 
(Lobdell) Greene, of North Salem, N. Y. Joseph's 
paternal grandparents were Peter and Sarah (Vought) 

411 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Greene of Peekskill, N. Y., and among his ancestors was 
Dominie Everardus Bogardus, the first clergyman of the 
Highlands, and the husband of Anneke Jans. 

Joseph A. Greene was educated in the public schools of 
Brewster and Cold Spring, in the New York Military 
School at Cornwall, N. Y. and in Cornell University, 
from which institution he was graduated with the degree 
of LL.B. in 1896, and received the degree of LL.M. 1897. 

On October 7, 1903, Joseph A. Greene was married to 
Carolyn M. Wygant, daughter of Henry P. Wygant of 
Peekskill, (originally of Saugerties, N. Y.) and of Sarah 
(Mauterstock) Wygant a descendant of an old Dutch 
family of Saugerties, other members of which live in 
Newburgh. Joseph A. and Carolyn Greene have two 
sons: Frances W. born July 10, 1904, and Marcellus W. 
born August 21, 1906. 

WILLIAM CROUSE who for the past twenty years 
has been superintendent of the Wheeler estate which 
covers one hundred and twenty-eight acres in the town 
of Wappinger, a short distance south of New Hamburg, 
was born in the town of Clinton, Dutchess County in 
1866, a son of Edgar and Emily (Wood) Crouse. He 
attended the district schools of his native town, and for 
some years was engaged on the homestead farm. 

In 1885 Mr. Crouse was united in marriage with Miss 
Olive Owen, daughter of John C. Owen of the town of 
Wappinger. Politically Mr. Crouse is a Republican, 
and socially a member of the Odd Fellows and American 
Mechanics. 

PHILIP DIEHL. Among the business landmarks 
of the village of Brewster, N. Y., is the bakery store of 
Philip Diehl, which was opened by him at its present 
location April 17, 1864. Mr. Diehl was born in Germany 

412 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

in 1837, a son of Andrew and Margaret (Weiman) 
Diehl. He came to America early in life, and remained 
eleven years in New York City where he learned the 
baker's trade. He has resided in Brewster since 1864, 
also conducting bakery stores at Mt. Kisco and Miller- 
ton; the former he established in 1891, and the latter in 
1896. 

Politically Mr. Diehl is a Republican, and has taken an 
active part in local public affairs. He was a member of 
the committee selected to lay out the village of Brewster, 
and has served as its president four years, and for many 
years a member of the Board of Education. He has also 
served ten years as president of the Putnam County 
Agricultural Society. He has been a member of the 
board of trustees of the Methodist Church at Brewster 
for many years. Socially he is identified with the Ma- 
sonic fraternity, Knights Templar and Mecca Shrine. 

Mr. Diehl was united in marriage April 29, 1863, with 
Josephine Lee, a native of Dutchess, but at that time a 
resident of Steuben County. Five children have been 
born: Mary E., Carrie (Budd), Howard P., Edith and 
C. Ralph. 

WALTER FARRINGTON, the oldest practicing 
member of the Dutchess County Bar, was born in the 
town of LaGrange in 1829, a son of Elijah and Phoebe 
(Howe) Farrington, and a grandson of Joseph and 
Martha (Hodskins) Farrington, all of Dutchess County. 

Joseph Farrington was an only son, and had three 
sisters, Jane, Ketura and Mercy. He was born March 
27, 1740, and died January 29, 1833, and is buried in the 
family plot in the old Baptist burying ground at Fishkill 
Plains, N. Y. He was engaged in farming in the town 
of Fishkill previous to 1812, when he made his home in 

413 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Poughkeepsie, at the northwest corner of Market and 
Montgomery Streets. Just what relationship, if any, 
there was between this Joseph Farrington and one 
Edmund Farrington who settled on Long Island in 1640, 
has not been established. Edmund Farrington came 
originally from Southampton, England. He had two 
sons, Thomas and Edmund, and the former was one of 
the patentees of Flushing, L. I. In the U. S. census of 
1790 the name of a Joseph Farrington is registered as 
residing in the town of Frederickstown, now a part of 
Putnam County. 

Joseph Farrington married Martha Hodskins, and the 
following children were born to them: Sarah, Matthew, 
William, David, Joseph, Isaac, Elijah, Peggy, Polly, 
Thomas and Daniel. 

Elijah Farrington, the father of Walter, was born in 
the town of Fishkill, August 15, 1781, and died in 1861. 
He was a farmer and surveyor. He married in 1803, 
Phoebe Howe, daughter of Lebbeus and Martha Howe of 
Fishkill. Issue: Mary, William, Lauren, Anna, Peter H., 
Jenette, Abraham, Matthew, Martha, Walter and John M. 

Walter Farrington who was admitted to the bar in 
Brooklyn in 1857 has practiced law continually in 
Poughkeepsie since 1861. From 1866 to 1893 he was a 
law partner of the late John P. H. Tallman. In 1865-66 
Mr. Farrington was one of the representatives of the city 
of Poughkeepsie in the Board of Supervisors. He has 
been the treasurer of Trinity Church since 1890. In 
1858 Mr. Farrington married Sarah E. Kay, daughter of 
James and Alice Kay of Pleasant Valley, and to them 
have been born two daughters, Cora E., now Mrs. 
Thaddeus N. Benjamin of Riverhead, L. I., and Jennie 
H. who resides with her father in Poughkeepsie. 

414 



Biographical and Genealogical 

HYMAN BOGARDUS ROOSA of the firm of H. B. 
Roosa & Son, dealers in furniture and undertakers in 
the villages of Fishkill and Fishkill-on-Hudson, was born 
at the former place January 26, 1829. 

Among his ancestors are a number of the earliest 
Holland-Dutch families who settled Dutchess, Putnam 
and Ulster counties. On his father's side he is a direct 
descendant of the original emigrant Aldert Hymanse 
Roosa, who with his wife Wyntje Ariense and their six 
children came in 1660 from Gelderland, Holland to 
America in the "Spotted Cow" and settled at Hurley, 
Ulster county, N. Y. and built a residence which stood 
until about 1885, and where some of their descendants 
still reside. Aldert H. Roosa was born in 1621 and died 
in 1 679. One of his sons, Jan Aldertse, born 1 65 1 , married 
Hillegard Willemse Van Buren. Their son, Aldert Janse, 
born 1692, married Rebecca Schepmoes, and had a son, 
Abraham, born 1718. In the next generation Jacob 
Roosa was born October 14, 1759, was enrolled in the 
levy of July 17, 1777 in the Third New York Regiment, 
Colonel Levi Paulding commanding, and fought during 
the Revolutionary War, dying in 1807. Jacob Roosa 
married Jannettje Van Wagener, and their son, Hyman 
was the grandfather of Hyman Bogardus Roosa. Hyman 
Roosa married Rebecca Sleight of Kingston, a descend- 
ant of Anneke Jans, and they reared a family of six 
children: Jacob, Jane, Maria, John H., Caleb Merritt 
and Newkirk. 

John H. Roosa, born at Hurley, Ulster county, N. 
Y. married Margaret Crispell, daughter of John and Jane 
(Hasbrouck) Crispell descended from Anthoine Crispell, 
one of the patentees who came over in the" Gilded Otter" 

415 



Biographical and Genealogical 

from Artois, France in April, 1660, and located near 
New Paltz, Ulster county, N. Y. In 1826 John H. 
Roosa settled at Fishkill, N. Y. and founded the under- 
taking and furniture business which has since been car- 
ried on by his son and grandson. 

He had a family of seven children : Abram Gaasbeck, 
Hyman Bogardus, Jane Ann, Sarah C, Theodore A., 
John C, and Mary D. 

Hyman R. Roosa attended the public schools of 
Fishkill until the age of fifteen when he began to help his 
father in the store, acquiring there a complete knowledge 
of the business. In 1857 he was taken into partnership, 
and at the death of his father, in 1860, he became the sole 
proprietor, and continued alone until his son, Frederic 
L. was ready to take a place in the firm. Since that time 
the business has been greatly enlarged, the branch at 
Fishkill-on-Hudson having been established under the 
charge of the son, Frederic L. 

Hyman Bogardus Roosa married Sarah, daughter of 
Richard and Elizabeth (Hasbrouck) Southard January 
26, 1853, and they had four children: Margaret, C. 
Frank who died when eight years old, Laura and Frederic 
Lathrop. 

On the Hasbrouck line they are descended from 
Abraham, the Patentee, who came from Calais, France, 
via Holland to Esopus, N. Y., in 1675, and was Captain 
of Foot, in 1685. In 1676 he married Maria Deyo and 
their son Benjamin married Jannitje De Long, and moved 
to Dutchess county. 

Francis the son of Benjamin, married Elizabeth 
Swartwout, and their son, Benjamin married Rachel 
Storm. Elizabeth the daughter of Benjamin and Rachel 

416 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

(Storm) Hasbrouck, married Richard Southard, and 
their daughter Sarah Southard married Hyman B. Roosa. 

Benjamin Hasbrouck, the first mentioned, built 
the stone residence a part of which is still standing on the 
old Hasbrouck homestead at Cortlandville, N. Y. Fran- 
cis Hasbrouck was buried at Hopewell. His widow 
married Abraham Shearer and is buried in the cemetery 
of the old Dutch church at Fishkill. Of this church the 
family of H. B. Roosa are leading members. 

Frederic L. Roosa was born in Fishkill March 15, 
1867. At the age of sixteen he entered his father's store 
as a clerk and in 1888 became a partner. In 1904 he 
established the furniture store at Fishkill-on-Hudson 
together with the undertaking rooms. 

In June 1893 Mr. F. L. Roosa married Miss Effie 
B. daughter of Samuel A. and Rebecca (Tompkins) 
Coldwell of Matteawan. Mr. Roosa is a member of the 
Knights of Pythias, the Masonic fraternity, the Odd 
Fellows and Tompkins Hose Company. As president 
of the Chamber of Commerce his efforts were successful in 
inducing the firm of Loeb, Schoenfeld Co., of Switzerland, 
the largest manufacturers of laces and embroideries in 
the world, to purchase the carpet mills at Glenham, N. Y., 
and locate their principal American factory at this place. 
The Glenham Mills were built by the A. T. Stewart Co., 
of New York in 1876, and had long been in idleness. The 
beneficent results from the operation of this extensive 
plant are already being felt throughout the town of Fish- 
kill. 

JAMES K. SMITH, druggist of Brewster, N. Y., 
was born in the town of Patterson in 1847, a son of Edison 
T. and Louisa J. (Kent) Smith. He attended the schools 
of his native town and in 1861 came to Brewster to engage 

417 



Biographical and Genealogical 

with his brother Peter who had established the pioneer 
drug store in the village. He acquired a thorough 
knowledge of the business, and upon the death of his 
brother, assumed its management, eventually succeeding 
to the ownership of the store which he has conducted 
alone for the past thirty-five years. 

In public life Mr. Smith has served as Justice of the 
Peace for nine years, and as town clerk seven years. He 
has been an active member of the Board of Education 
for twenty-five years, seventeen of which he served as 
president of the Board. He is a member of the Presby- 
terian Church and affiliated with the Masonic fraternity 
and the Odd Fellows. 

In 1894 Mr. Smith married Elizabeth A. Sampson of 
Massachusetts. 

ABRAHAM R. DURYEE, assistant superintendent 
of the New York Rubber Company of Matteawan, N. Y., 
was born at Bayonne City, N. J., May 22, 1861, a son of 
Jacob and Sarah M. (Morse) Duryee, and a grandson of 
Dr. Joseph Duryee of Belleville, N. J. 

Abraham R. Duryee, was educated in the public 
schools of New York City, and a private school at Cam- 
bridge, Mass. In 1877 he began business life with the 
Combination Rubber Co., of New York, with whom he 
remained until 1883, and for the succeeding seventeen 
years he was connected with the Boston Woven Hose Co. 
In 1900 Mr. Duryee went to Germany and remained eight 
years with the Alfred Calmon Action Gesellschaft at 
Hamburg. Returning to America in 1908 Mr. Duryee 
accepted his present position with the New York Rubber 
Company. 

Mr. Duryee married in 1879 Henrine J. Lapaugh 
of New York who died in 1888 leaving the following chil- 

418 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

dren: Sarah Estelle, Eveline, Gracie and Caroline. In 
1890 Mr. Duryee married Catherine Haley and two 
children were born, Robert and Louisa. Twice a widow- 
er, Mr. Duryee married in 1900 Martha Stichweh of 
Hamburg, Germany. 

Politically Mr. Duryee is a Republican. He is a 
member of Beacon Lodge 283 F. & A. M. and in religious 
views an Episcopalian. 

THE FISH FAMILY OF GARRISON. The name 
Fish is of Saxon origin, and in the tables of German 
nobility dates from a remote era. At what date the 
family removed to England is unknown. The earliest 
settlers of that name in America were Nathaniel, John 
and Jonathan Fish, who at first resided at Lynn, Mass., 
and in 1637 removed to Sandwich, on Cape Cod, where 
some of the family remained. 

As early as 1659 Jonathan Fish joined in the settlement 
of Middleburg, or Newtown, L. I. His name frequently 
appears in the records of the town in an official capacity. 
His sons John, Samuel and Nathan were all patentees of 
Newtown in 1686. Of these sons Samuel died in 1700 
without issue; John emigrated to New Jersey, while 
Nathan remained in Newtown, and was the progenitor 
of the distinguished New York family. 

Nathan Fish died August 1, 1734. He left a family of 
fourteen children, of whom Jonathan, the eldest, born 
October 11, 1680, became the owner of the ancestral 
homestead and considerable land in Newtown. He died 
in 1723 and was survived by his wife Mary. Only two 
of his seven children arrived at maturity; Samuel born 
November 24, 1704, and Jane, born May 26, 1721. 

Samuel Fish inherited the paternal mansion where he 
kept an inn during his life and was a useful public man. 

419 



Biographical and Genealogical 

He married June 21, 1727, Agnes, daughter of John 
Berrien. After her decease he married in 1748 Abigail, 
daughter of Edward Howard. He married a third time 
Agnes Betts, who survived him. He died Aug. 27, 1767. 
He was the father of thirteen children of whom three 
sons (Jonathan, Samuel, Richard) and five daughters 
reached maturity. 

Jonathan Fish, the eldest of this family, born May 11, 
1728, married Elizabeth daughter of Joseph Sackett. 
She died April 9, 1778. He then married Elizabeth, 
daughter of Thomas Whitehead. Although he was a 
landowner in Newtown with a residence in the village, 
he was for a portion of his life a merchant in New York. 
He died December 26, 1779, leaving two children, Sarah 
and Nicholas. 

Nicholas Fish who became a distinguished officer in 
the Revolution, was born August 28, 1758. Having 
finished his classical course at Princeton, he began the 
study of law, but on the breaking out of the Revolution- 
ary struggle abandoned his studies and took up arms in 
defense of the colonies. He entered the army with the 
grade of Major and rose to the rank of Lieutenant 
Colonel, serving throughout the war. He participated in 
both battles of Saratoga; commanded a corps of light 
infantry under LaFayette in 1780; and in the following 
year was active with his regiment in the operations 
which resulted in the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. He 
was Adjutant-General of the State of New York from 
1786 until 1789, and in 1794 was appointed by Washing- 
ton to the office of Supervisor of Revenue. Active also 
in municipal affairs he served as Alderman of New York 
City from 1806 to 1817. He was a prominent member 
of the Society of Cincinnati, an organization composed 

420 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

of officers of the Continental Army and their male 
descendants, and in 1797 was elected president of the 
New York branch of the society. He was active in 
religious and charitable affairs and a member of many 
local societies, literary, religious, and beneficent. Col. 
Fish was also at one time a candidate for lieutenant- 
governor of the State of New York. 

Col. Nicholas Fish married April 30, 1803, Elizabeth, 
daughter of Petrus Stuyvesant, and a great-great-grand- 
daughter of Governor Stuyvesant; she was a descendant, 
through her mother, Margaret Livingston, of the first 
Lord of Livingston Manor. Their children were: Susan 
Elizabeth, born 1805, married Daniel LeRoy; Margaret 
Ann, born 1807, married John Neilson Jr.; Hamilton, 
born 1808, married Julia Kean; Elizabeth Sarah, born 
1810, married Dr. Richard E. Morris; Petrus Stuy- 
vesant, born 1813, died 1834. 

Hamilton Fish 6 (Nicholas, 5 , Jonathan, 4 Samuel, 3 Nath- 
an, 2 Jonathan 1 ) famous in the annals of the country, 
enjoyed all the advantages that wealth, social position 
and education could bestow. He was graduated from 
Columbia College in 1827, and after due preparation was 
admitted to the Bar in 1830. He early in life took an 
active interest in politics, and, as a Whig, was repeatedly 
nominated by his party as a candidate for the State 
Legislature, but was defeated, owing to the democratic 
majority of his district. He was elected in 1842 a 
representative in Congress from the Sixth Congressional 
District, New York City. In 1846 he was the Whig 
candidate for lieutenant-governor on the ticket with the 
Hon. John Young for Governor. Mr. Young was elected 
Governor, but Mr. Fish was defeated for the second office, 
owing to the opposition of the anti-renters, whose hos- 

421 



Biographical and Genealogical 

tility he had incurred on account of his earnest and un- 
compromising denunciation of their principles. Addison 
Gardner, his successful opponent, a democrat who had 
received the support of the anti-renters, subsequently 
became judge of the Court of Appeals, and, on resigning 
the office of lieutenant-governor to take his seat on the 
bench, Mr. Fish was elected in his place. He was 
elected Governor of the State in 1848 by a plurality of 
nearly 100,000, and in 1851, was chosen United States 
Senator to succeed Hon. Daniel S. Dickinson. As a 
member of the United States Senate he opposed the 
repeal of the Missouri Compromise, and acted with the 
republican party from its formation until the close of his 
term in 1857, in which year he went with his family to 
Europe, and remained abroad till a short time before the 
commencement of the Civil War. His earnest sympa- 
thies and efforts were, of course, in favor of the preserva- 
tion of the union, and he also contributed liberallv in 
money for the support of the government. He was in 
1862 appointed by Secretary of War Stanton, in con- 
junction with Bishop Ames, a commissioner to visit the 
Union soldiers imprisoned at Richmond and elsewhere, 
with a view to relieving their necessities and providing 
for their comfort. 

In March, 1869, Mr. Fish was called to the chief office 
in the cabinet of President Grant. The high position 
he filled with great acceptance to the president and peo- 
ple, and, on the commencement of the second term of 
President Grant in March, 1873, he was reappointed 
Secretary, and served until the inauguration of President 
Hayes in 1877. To him is due the credit of suggesting 
the formation of the joint high commission between the 
United States and Great Britain for the settlement of the 

422 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

various difficulties between the two nations (including the 
Alabama claims), a proceeding which possibly averted war, 
and on the 9th of February, 1871, he was appointed by 
President Grant one of the commissioners on the part of 
the United States to negotiate the treaty of Washington, 
which was signed by him on the 8th of May of that year. 
He also, in November, 1873, negotiated with Admiral 
Polo, the Spanish Minister at Washington, the settlement 
of the "Virginius" question. Mr. Fish, as Secretary of 
State, conducted the affairs of that department during 
one of the most difficult and critical periods in the history 
of our foreign relations, in a manner which reflected 
honor upon himself and upon the nation. 

In 1854 Mr. Fish became president of the Society of 
the Cincinnati; he was a leading member of the New 
York Historical Society and of various other learned 
bodies, and was prominently connected with the prin- 
cipal literary, social and benevolent organizations of 
New York City and State. 

Mr. Fish married Miss Julia Kean, a descendant of 
Peter Vanburgh Livingston of New Jersey. The dis- 
tinguished and useful careers of their three sons, Hamil- 
ton, Nicholas and Stuyvesant Fish are briefly recorded 
in the International Encyclopedia as follows: 

Hamilton Fish was born at the State Capitol, Aprill7, 
1849 while his father was Governor. He was educated 
at Columbia College, and then acted as private secretary 
to his father who had just entered the Cabinet of Presi- 
dent Grant. In 1873 he graduated from the law school 
of Columbia College. From 1873 to 1874 he served as 
aide-de-camp on the staff of General Dix then Governor 
of New York. He was elected Member of Assembly in 
1874, 1876-79, 1889-91, 1893-96. He was Republican 

423 



Biographical and Genealogical 

leader in the Assembly in 1890, and its speaker in 1895. 
He was elected Member of Congress for the years 1909- 
10. 

Nicholas Fish (1848-1902) was born in New York 
city, and educated at Columbia College '67, and Harvard 
Law School '69. He was appointed second secretary of 
legation at Berlin in 1871, and became Secretary in 1874, 
acting in the continued absence of his chief as charge 
d'affaires; held the latter position in Switzerland 1877-81, 
and then served as Minister to Belgium 1882-86. Re- 
turned to New York in 1887 and became a member of the 
banking firm of Harriman & Co. Died September 16, 
1902. 

Stuyvesant Fish, banker and railway official was born 
in New York city in 1851; gradated from Columbia 
College A. B. 1871, A. M. 1874. In 1876 he was elected 
a director of the Illinois Central Railroad. From 1877- 
82 he was secretary and from 1882-84 vice-president of 
the Chicago, St. Louis and New Orleans Railroad. He 
was president of the Illinois Central Railroad from 1887 
to Nov. 7, 1906. From 1904-06 he was president of the 
American Railway Association, and chairman in 1905 
of the 7th session International Railway Congress held 
in Washington. He has a country seat at Garrison. 

ARTHUR ALFRED PARKS, editor and proprietor 
of The Poughkeepsie Evening Star, has had a successful 
career as a newspaper writer and publisher. Born 
December 16, 1869, in Flint, Michigan, while his parents 
were temporarily in that state, he removed with them 
later to their home on the Oswego river, six miles below 
Oswego, N. Y., where the early years of his boyhood were 
spent. Mr. Parks' father was Lorenzo Dow Parks and 
his mother was Mary Duhamel. Both parents spent the 

424 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

greater part of their lives in that part of New York State, 
the father being a member of the large and prominent 
Littlefield family; members of the mother's family being 
writers, musicians and in the church, the present Arch- 
bishop Duhamel of Quebec, being an uncle of Arthur A. 
Parks. Two remaining members of the Littlefield family 
are Mr. Wray Littlefield a prominent Brooklyn real 
estate operator and Mrs. William Duryea of Brooklyn 
and Nyack, the latter a member of the prominent Duryea 
family of New York and Glen Cove, L. I. 

Coming from England early in 1500 the first members 
of the Parks family settled in Massachusetts where they 
had large land holdings and were conspicuous in the 
history of those early days. No fewer than twenty 
members of this Parks family are found on the enlistment 
rolls of the Revolutionary war, serving in various official 
and private capacities as fighting men for the rescue of 
this land from the hand of the oppressor. Eight of 
these were enlisted from Dutchess county, N. Y. So 
far as can be learned from records in the Boston Library 
and elsewhere the forefathers of Arthur A. Parks came 
from New England to New York, locating in Dutchess 
county some time in 1700. Arthur Parks who was a 
member of the Provincial Congress, died at his home in 
the town of Montgomery, Orange County, N. Y., August 
11, 1806. He was a member of the Convention that 
formed the State Constitution, and during eleven years 
he represented the Middle District in the Senate. Daniel 
Parks was the great grandfather of Arthur A. Parks and 
his name is on the Revolutionary roll. Numerous great 
uncles and cousins were also conspicuous in this War. 
Mr. Parks' grandfather, Daniel, was a landholder in 
Northern New York and a land speculator in Ohio. He 

425 



Biographical and Genealogical 

died not long after the birth of Lorenzo Dow Parks. The 
boyhood and young manhood of the latter was spent at 
the home of his uncle Lyman Littlefield in Saratoga, 
Washington and Oswego counties where Mr. Littlefield 
owned and operated several large farms and was known as 
a "gentleman farmer", those being the rich days of 
farming in New York State. After spending several 
years as manager of these large estates of his uncle Lo- 
renzo Dow Parks heard the call to arms and he enlisted in 
the Civil War. Coming out of the war Mr. Parks went 
extensively into the lumber business with his cousin 
Hamilton Littlefield in Michigan, buying up thousands of 
acres of virgin pine timber and converting it into lumber. 
It was while this business was being conducted that the 
subject of this sketch saw the light. 

With a desire to acquire large land holdings in the west 
Mr. Parks removed to Nebraska, in 1882, and there the 
son, Arthur obtained his education in public and private 
schools, entering the newspaper business in Lincoln and 
Omaha, Neb., and being employed on the leading news- 
papers in both cities. Mr. Parks conducted a newspaper 
of his own for two years at Fort Dodge, Iowa. He joined 
the Masonic Lodge in the west and entered into politics 
to some extent, but always in his ear was the call of the 
East, of the Old Oswego river with its surpassing fishing, 
the apple orchards and the rolling hills with their groves 
and their forests. So in 1895 he left the west and re- 
turned to New York. He took the position of managing 
editor of the Cosmopolitan Magazine, then just coming 
into prominence as the first ten-cent magazine. Mr. 
Parks had charge of the big publishing house at Irvington- 
on-Hudson, succeeding Winston Churchill, the novelist, 
in that position. Mr. Parks remained here for a time, 

426 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

but finally decided he liked the newspaper business better 
and he went to New Haven, Conn., and became city 
editor of The Daily Register, the leading newspaper of 
that city. At New Haven Mr. Parks was able to pursue 
his literary studies under Yale instructors and there he 
developed his talent as a writer of verse, humorous 
sketches and editorial paragraphs. This work attracted 
favorable notice and Mr. Parks became a contributor to 
the popular magazines, such as Life, Judge, etc. These 
products of Mr. Parks' pen were extensively copied by 
the press of the country, including the high-class literary 
journals. 

Mr. Parks' work in New Haven attracted the attention 
of the publisher of the New York Herald and in 1897 the 
writer was offered a position as special editorial writer on 
the New York Telegram. For several years Mr. Parks 
conducted a literary and humorous department on the 
editorial page of The Telegram, he being accorded the 
then unique privilege of signing his work and having it 
illustrated by the staff artist. This brought the writer 
some distinction among New York writers. Mr. Parks 
continued this work for several years, but finally gave it 
up to enter the broader field of the news department, 
becoming in time news editor of The Evening Telegram, 
a place which he retained until August, 1904, when he 
resigned to go to Poughkeepsie to take charge of The 
Poughkeepsie Evening Star. Acquiring only a partial 
interest in The Star at first, Mr. Parks conducted it for 
about two years before purchasing the entire paper. At 
this time it had become evident to Mr. Parks that The 
Star could be made a profitable newspaper. This judg- 
ment, during the six years just passed has been amply 
sustained, for The Star has gone steadily ahead in 

427 



Biographical and Genealogical 

public favor, and now, in 1912, enjoys a very large cir- 
culation and advertising patronage, being in fact one of 
the two largest and most profitable newspapers in the 
Hudson Valley. 

In May, 1898, Arthur Alfred Parks and Blanche Arrilla 
Johnson, daughter of the late William S. Johnson, were 
married in the Church of the Transfiguration, New 
York. Mr. Parks has one brother, Lafayette Parks, at 
present publisher of the Fitchburg, Mass., Daily News, 
and one sister, Mrs. Charles S. Watson, of Denver, Colo. 

FITZ JAMES NESBITT for nearly half a century a 
Poughkeepsie merchant, was born at Albany, N. Y., in 
1840. He is a son of James Nesbitt of Scotch-Irish 
descent, who for many years was a ship carpenter in 
Albany. He married Catherine Mink, daughter of 
David Mink, who was also engaged in shipbuilding. 
The parents of F. J. Nesbitt died when he was ten years 
of age. After securing a common school education in 
his native city, he was employed in an oyster market at 
Troy, N.Y., and later in a similar establishment at Albany. 

In 1862 Mr. Nesbitt enlisted under Captain Hale 
Kingsley in Company R, 25th Regiment New York 
State Militia, which was the first Albany regiment to 
respond to the call for militia. Mustered into service 
May 14, 1862, the Regiment was ordered to Suffolk, Va., 
where it remained during its period of enlistment under 
command of Col. Michael K. Bryan. 

In 1865 Mr. Nesbitt came to Poughkeepsie and es- 
tablished an oyster market in Main St., subsequently 
adding fish, meats and poultry to his stock. Since 1886 
he has occupied the premises at 261 Main St., and by 
close attention to details, and handling the choicest 
products he has built up a very extensive trade. 

428 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

In public life Mr. Nesbitt, who is a staunch democrat, 
served the city of Poughkeepsie in 1888 as Alderman of 
the fourth ward, being President of the Board, and Mayor 
protem during the absence of Mayor Elsworth abroad. 
In 1891 he was appointed Police Commissioner by Mayor 
Elsworth, serving until December 31, 1892. 

Mr. Nesbitt is a director in the Merchants National 
Bank; a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the 
Odd Fellows, having taken all the chairs in the latter 
organization. 

In 1870 Mr. Nesbitt married Louisa J., daughter of 
Jacob Bahret of Poughkeepsie, and they are the parents 
of three children, Dr. Edward J. Nesbitt, veterinary 
surgeon of Poughkeepsie, Grace who died young, and 
Mabel L., now Mrs. R. F. Kolb of New York City. 

AUSTIN L. SANDS who maintains a country place 
"Edgehill," at New Hamburg, N. Y., was born in New- 
port, R. I. He is a son of Frederic Parker and Eliza- 
beth (Simpson) Sands, and a grandson of Dr. Austin 
Ledyard Sands, who was born in Dutchess County, and 
his wife Julia Parker of New Bedford, Mass. 

His earliest American ancestor, James Sands, was born 
in England in 1622, and settled at Portsmouth, R. I., in 
1642, where he had grants of land. He removed with 
his family to Block Island, in 1661, where he died in 1695. 
His eldest son John settled at Cowneck, L. I., in 1691, 
purchasing a farm from Richard Cornell. John Sands 
married Sybil daughter of John Ray, and four sons and 
four daughters were born, of whom John, the eldest, 
inherited the homestead farm at Cowneck. 

John Sands 2d, married at Newport, R. I., in 1706, 
Catherine, daughter of Robert Guthrie. Twelve chil- 
dren were born of whom John the eldest, born 1708, died 

429 



\ 

Biographical and Genealogical 

at Cowneck 1760. He married, 1736, Elizabeth, daugh- 
ter of Caleb Cornell, and eight children were born as 
follows: 

1. John, born 1737, died 1811; he inherited Inland j 
Farm at Cowneck; married and left issue male. 

2. Cornwell, born 1739, died 1793, left no issue male. 

3. Elizabeth, born 1742, died 1747. I 

4. Robert, born 1745, died 1825; left no issue male. 

5. Comfort, born 1748, died in Hoboken, N. J., 1834, 
of whom later. 

6. Stephen, born 1750, died 1787, left issue male. 

7. Richardson, born June 13, 1754, the direct ancestor 
of Austin L. Sands, married Laureta Ledyard, daughter 
of John Ledyard of Hartford, Conn. He left two sons, 
William, who died young, and Austin Ledyard Sands. 

8. Joshua, born 1757, died 1835, left issue male. 
Comfort Sands who resided for a time in Dutchess 

County, was a merchant in New York and had acquired 
a fortune when the Revolution broke out. In 1775 he 
was chosen a member of the Provincial Congress and of 
the Committee of Safety. July 24, 1776, he was ap- 
pointed Auditor General of the State of New York, and 
served until 1782. In 1778 he was a member of the New 
York Legislature, and made his home in Poughkeepsie 
until 1780, when he moved to a farm in Nine Partners, 
which he occupied until April, 1781. 

JOHN S. ENO, superintendent of the Brewster plant 
of the Borden Condensed Milk Company, was born in 
Colebrook, Litchfield County, Conn., in January, 1838, 
a son of Daniel M. and Eunice (Sage) Eno of Colebrook. 

When very young he went with his parents to Penn- 
sylvania, where he received his schooling, and where he 
remained until 1862. In that year he came to Wassaic, 

430 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

N. Y., and entered the employ of the Borden Company. 
In 1866 he was appointed superintendent of the Brewster 
factory, and his eminent fitness for this position which he 
has occupied nearly half a century has in no small degree 
brought about the great success of this plant. 

In public life Mr. Eno has served two terms as a mem- 
ber of the Putnam County Board of Supervisors, rep- 
resenting the town of Southeast. He has held the 
office of President of the village of Brewster, and served 
as school trustee, and member of the Board of Education. 
He was one of the incorporators of the First National 
Bank of Brewster, and has continued a member of the 
board of directors of this institution. He is a trustee of 
the Presbyterian Church and was a member of the 
building committee which erected the edifice at Brewster 
in 1884. He is affiliated with the Masonic fraternity 
including the Chapter and Commandery. 

June 6, 1866, Mr. Eno was united in marriage with 
Susan, daughter of Edmund H. Clark of Cherry Ridge, 
Wayne County, Pa. Four children were born, Clark H., 
now a resident of Aurora, 111. ; Frank G., of Mount Kisco; 
Emma, wife of Edward D. Stannard, and Susan Borden, 
now Mrs. Cyrus Travis. 

EDWARD D. STANNARD of Brewster, N. Y., the 
Treasurer of Putnam County since 1904, was born in the 
town of Southeast in 1866, a son of David K. and Sarah 
(Hanley) Stannard. 

He attended the public schools of Brewster and vicin- 
ity, and at the age of nineteen entered the employ of the 
First National Bank at Brewster. In 1902 he was 
appointed to his present position as cashier of this in- 
stitution. 

Politically Mr. Stannard is a Republican and in 1903 

431 



Biographical and Genealogical 

was elected to the office of County Treasurer, and re- 
elected in 1906 and 1909. He is a member of the Mason- 
ic fraternity, the Odd Fellows and Foresters and a trustee 
of the Presbyterian Church. 

In 1892 Mr. Stannard married Emma, daughter of 
John S. Eno. 

David K. Stannard, father of the subject of this re- i 
view, was born in Sheffield, Mass., in 1836, a son of 
Daniel and Phoebe (Huggins) Stannard of Massachu- 
setts. 

In 1862 he enlisted in Co. E Mass. 49th Infantry, and 
served his country over a year or until the fall of Port 
Hudson, during which time his Company was stationed 
at Baton Rouge, La. When mustered out Mr. Stan- 
nard removed to Brewster, N. Y., where he has since i 
resided. In 1864 he married Sarah Hanley who died in 
1867, leaving two children, Edward D. and Cora E. ^ 
(deceased). In 1867 David K. Stannard chose for his 
second wife Emma F. Ingersoll. Two children were 
born, William B. and Edith M. 

EMERSON W. ADDIS, editor and proprietor of the 
Brewster Standard, was born in Litchfield, Conn., October 
13, 1853. He is a son of Chester and Harriet (Waters) 
Addis of Litchfield County, and on the maternal side is 
a descendant of the Waters family of Hartford who were 
prominent and active patriots during the Revolution. 

At the age of twelve years Mr. Addis became an 
apprentice in the office of the Litchfield Enquirer, and was 
later employed as a printer in Hartford and Danbury, 
Conn. From 1871 to 1873 he was editor of the Journal at 
New Milford, Conn. May 1, 1874, he came to Brewster, 
N. Y., as editor and foreman of the Brewster Standard and 
continued in this capacity until April 1st, 1880, when he 

432 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

purchased the newspaper and plant from Mr. John G. 
Borden and has since been its editor and proprietor. 

Politically Mr. Addis is a Republican, and as Chairman 
of the County Committee has rendered his party valua- 
ble service. In November, 1896, he was elected Member 
of Assembly and re-elected in 1897. He was appointed 
Postmaster at Brewster by President Harrison, and re- 
appointed by Presidents McKinley, Roosevelt and Taft. 
Mr. Addis has served on various commissions in con- 
demnation proceedings in connection with the Croton 
watershed. 

JOHN O'CONNOR, JR., the genial proprietor of the 
Southeast House at Brewster, N. Y. was born in this 
village in 1874. He is a son of John and Mary (Mackin) 
O'Connor, old residents of Brewster. After finishing his 
studies at the public schools of his native village, Mr. 
O'Connor took a course in Civil Engineering with the 
International Correspondence Schools of Scranton, Pa., 
and when qualified was appointed an engineer in the 
Aqueduct Commission by the City of New York, which 
he held for twenty-three years. Mr. O'Connor is re- 
garded as an expert in matters pertaining to engineering. 

In May, 1911, he resigned his position and purchased 
the Southeast House, which he thoroughly renovated 
and which he conducts in accordance with the most 
modern methods. The Southeast House is now con- 
sidered by the traveling public as the hotel par excellence 
in the Harlem Valley. 

BENJAMIN MATTHIAS TALBOT of Fishkill-on- 
Hudson, is a former extensive dealer in real estate, and 
now owns much valuable property there. He was born 
in Manchester, England, March 20, 1837, of an old 
Yorkshire family, and is the grandson of Charles and 

433 



!. 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Jane Talbot and the son of Thomas Talbot who was a 
prosperous cloth merchant at Holmfirth, Yorkshire, 
England. His mother was Judith Winter, daughter of 
Matthias and Jane Winter, and she was one of a family of 
eight children. 

Benjamin M. Talbot was educated at Holmfirth and 
conducted a cigar and tobacco store at Bradford, Eng- 
land. In 1865 he came to America locating first at New- 
burgh, N. Y., and in 1866 he removed to Fishkill Landing 
and established the Talbot House which he personally 
continued for twenty years and which is still conducted 
by his two younger sons. In 1886 he had become so 
largely interested in real estate and in building up his 
chosen community that he partially retired from the 
management of the Talbot House. 

On November 9, 1868, Mr. Talbot married Miss Eliza- 
beth, daughter of William and Mary Ann (Rothwell) 
Bates of Sewerby Bridge, Yorkshire, England, the wed- 
ding occurring the day she landed in America. Mrs. 
Talbot is an active member of St. Andrew's Episcopal 
Church and deeply interested in the various lines of 
parish work. 

Benjamin M. and Elizabeth Talbot had five sons, one 
of whom died in infancy, and another, Frederick, died at 
the age of twenty years. The others are: (1) James 
Gulick Talbot, born Nov. 20, 1874. He was educated 
in the public school of his native town, in a private school 
in Southport, England, and was graduated from the 
Spencerian Business College, of Newburgh, N. Y. He be- 
gan business life as a clerk in the office of J. E. Munger, 
lumber dealer, at Fishkill-on-the-Hudson. He then 
became bookkeeper for Eastman & Company, Music 
store, Newburgh, N. Y., with whom he remained for some 

434 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

time, and left to become salesman and tuner for the piano 
firm of Wegman & Co., Auburn, N. Y. He is engaged 
in business at Gloversville, N. Y., as a dealer in pianos, 
organs and musical instruments, and has built up an 
extensive trade. 

In politics he is a Republican; in church affiliation 
a member of the Episcopal Church ; in fraternal orders, 
a member of the Sons of St. George and of the Knights of 
Pythias. 

He married February 14, 1901, Elizabeth Julia Han- 
cock, born January 19, 1879, at Auburn, N. Y., the 
daughter of James and Sarah Elizabeth (Vickers) 
Hancock. They are the parents of two children 
Mertice Elizabeth, born January 21, 1902, and Harriet 
Bates, born March 30, 1907. 

(2) William Rothwell Talbot was born October 22, 
1877. He studied law in the office of J. Hervey Cook, 
in Fishkill, and subsequently joined his younger brother 
Harry, in the management of the Talbot House in their 
native place. He married July 3, 1900, Cecelia, daughter 
of Franklin and Annie Greene, of Matteawan. They 
have one son, Frederick Rothwell, born November 4, 
1902. 

(3) Harry Talbot, born Sept. 12, 1884. He is asso- 
ciated with his older brother, William R., in the man- 
agement of the Talbot House. On January 24, 1911, 
he married Edith May, daughter of Frank Benjamin of 
Matteawan. They have one son Benjamin Matthias 
born Sept. 18th, 1911. 

Benjamin M. Talbot is a Republican, but not a poli- 
tician, and has never accepted public office. He was 
for some years a member of the Knights of Pythias Lodge 
of Matteawan, but otherwise is not a member of any 

435 



Biographical and Genealogical 

fraternal order. Though devoted to Dutchess county, 
his adopted home, he has an abiding love for his native 
land as is shown by the fact that his voyage this year, 
1912, will make the thirtieth time he has crossed the 
Atlantic ocean. 

THE DOUGHTY FAMILY is of very ancient origin, 
dating back before the Norman Conquest. Originally 
the name was spelled Dygtig in the Anglo-Saxon dialect. 
There were two branches of the family, one having a seat 
at Boston, in Lincolnshire, and the other at Esher in 
Surrey, England. One Thomas Doughty was a lieuten- 
ant on the Golden Hind, Sir Francis Drake's flagship, in 
the renowned voyage around the world. 

Rev. Francis Doughty, probably of Surrey, is the 
common ancestor of all the American Doughty s. He was 
one of the Puritans who followed soon after the May- 
flower pioneers, landing about 1633. In 1639 we find 
him in Taunton, Mass., from which place he moved with 
about 100 families to the present site of Newport, R. I., 
and later in 1642 to the Dutch Colony in New Amster- 
dam, Mr. Doughty having succeeded in obtaining a 
grant from Governor Kieft of 13,332 acres of land at 
Maspeth, which embraced nearly the whole of Newton, 
Maspeth and a part of Flushing. This land was after- 
wards taken away by Governor Kieft. The family 
became in later years very influential in Brooklyn affairs. 
One of the earliest named streets in Brooklyn, way down 
near the Fulton Ferry, was named after Charles Doughty. 
There is also a Doughty street in London, England. 

Rev. Francis Doughty is said to have been the first 
preacher in the English language in New York City. 
He is reputed to have been a Baptist, but is also said to 
have been a Presbyterian. Later on the Brooklyn 

436 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Doughtys were Quakers and Swedenborgians. Charles 
Doughty, Esq., was a strong abolitionist and was for 
many years the most prominent lawyer in the then Village 
of Brooklyn. He was the first Brooklyn member of the 
New York Colonial Assembly. The family is now very 
much scattered. There is a branch still in Brooklyn and 
Long Island, one in Dutchess County to which one of the 
sons of Francis emigrated, and another in Southern New 
Jersey. 

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle of June 7, 1891, in a story 
of the Doughty family, in connection with Brooklyn 
history, makes the following comment: "The men of 
this race have ever been noted for hard headed obstinacy, 
great self-confidence, large intelligence and a disposition 
to express themselves freely at all times in season and out 
of season. No criminals or betrayers of trusts has ever 
been known to bear the name of Doughty, which, let it 
be understood, has no connection with the English Doty, 
or the Irish Dougherty or Doherty. As Doughty is 
spelled now so has it been spelled since the days of Henry 
VII." 

The arms of the Doughty family contain the Latin 
motto, " Palma non sine pulvere", which freely translated 
is, "No reward without labor." 

Rev. Francis Doughty had a daughter Mary who, in 
1645, married Dr. Adrian Van der Donck. This was 
one of the noted intermarriages of the English and Dutch. 
He also had sons Elias, Francis, Charles and Jacob, and 
perhaps other children. 

The children of Francis and Mary Doughty of Flush- 
ing, N. Y., were: 

Elias born 1687, Palmer born 1689, Francis born 1691, 
Charity born 1693, Mary born 1695, Obadiah born 1698. 

437 



Biographical and Genealogical 

James born 1700, Thomas born 1702, Sarah and Phebe 
(twins) 1704, Elener born 1706. 

One Benjamin Doughty of Flushing had sons Charles 
born 1741, Benjamin born 1744, William born 1755, and 
perhaps others. The birth records of the children of 
these three sons are on file. 

One Robert Doughty witnessed the will of Lieut. Gov. 
Cadwallader Colden, August 7, 1776. 

JOHN HENRY DOUGHTY was for many years one 
of the foremost physicians of Dutchess County. He was 
born at Chestnut Ridge, in the town of Unionvale, March 
19, 1830, a son of John Bunker Doughty and Phebe 
Van Vlack. It is not known from which son of Rev. 
Francis Doughty the immediate ancestors of John Henry 
Doughty came. It is believed, however, that his imme- 
diate ancestors lived in the eastern part of Connecticut 
and that he probably was not from the same branch as 
the other Dutchess County Doughtys. 

Doctor Doughty was a self-made man. Early in life 
he determined to become a physician and by dint of hard 
work, close application and the most rigid economy he 
earned his education. He entered Williams College and 
in two years completed the course and received the degree 
of Bachelor of Arts in 1858. He received his medical 
degree from the University of Michigan in 1863 and 
immediately went to Washington where he took the 
examination for appointment as surgeon in the regular 
army. He received his appointment and commission at 
the hand of President Lincoln and served with distinction 
until the close of the war, having posts at Newbern and 
Wilmington, N. C. He was promoted to the rank of 
Brevet-Major while medical director at Wilmington. 
At the close of the war he took up his residence at Mat- 

438 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

teawan, Dutchess County, and continued there in the 
practice of his profession until his death, which occurred 
in his home at Matteawan, January 28, 1905. 

Dr. Doughty was one of the founders of the Highland 
Hospital of Matteawan, and for many years was its chief 
surgeon. He was noted for his painstaking and con- 
scientious work as a physician and surgeon. He was 
president of the Dutchess County Medical Society for 
many years, frequently preparing papers on medical and 
surgical topics, not only for that society but also for pub- 
lication in medical journals. He was a member of the 
New York State Medical Society, and an active member 
of the Baptist Church. 

Dr. Doughty married Elizabeth Woodin, of the Town 
of Beekman, in 1864, while home from the war on a 
furlough. There were seven children as follows : Thomas 
John, M.D., who died in 1898; Edgar M., a lawyer of 
New York City; Robert W., a lawyer of Fishkill Land- 
ing; Mary E. V., of Fishkill Landing; Phebe V. V., a 
physician of Matteawan; John Henry, Jr., a mechanical 
engineer of Wilkesbarre, Pa., and Elizabeth A., who died 
in 1907. 

ROBERT W. DOUGHTY a practicing attorney of 
Fishkill Landing and New York, was born Dec. 13, 1868, 
at Matteawan, N. Y., the third son of Dr. John H. Dough- 
ty and Elizabeth Woodin. He graduated with the 
degree of B. A. in 1892 from the University of Michigan. 
After a journalistic career, he read law and was admitted 
to the Bar in 1900. He is a member of the law firm of 
Shoemaker, Pelham & Doughty of New York, and 
maintains an office at Fishkill-on-Hudson for his indi- 
vidual practice. He married in 1896 Grace Goble of 
Kalamazoo, Mich. They have five children: Elizabeth 

439 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Woodin, Edna Renilde, Grace Roberta, Thomas John, 
and Robert Millard. 

JOHN B. WHITSON, a prominent business man of 
Matteawan, N. Y., was born in Delaware County in 
1847, and died at his home in Matteawan in 1905. He 
was a son of John and Mary (Black) Whitson, natives of 
Scotland. John Whitson came to America with his par- 
ents when he was thirteen years of age. 

John B. Whitson attended the schools of his native 
county, and at the age of seventeen enlisted in the 144th 
Regiment, New York Militia. At the expiration of his 
period of enlistment of eleven months he returned to his 
home where he remained until his removal to Missouri 
in 1867. 

Mr. Whitson was united in marriage in 1870 with Miss 
Abigail Dyer daughter of Hugh Carter Dyer of Welsh 
descent, and of his wife who was formerly Mary Ann 
Abernatha of Scottish descent. They were residents of 
Washington C. H., Ohio, and reared a family of five sons 
and seven daughters. Each of the sons — Lemuel, Rob- 
ert, Alfred, Cornelius and Archelaus served in the Union 
army during the Civil War. 

Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Whitson, 
Harvey D. born in Missouri and Edwin Romaine born in 
Matteawan. Mr. Whitson settled in Matteawan in 1874 
where his father and mother were then living. He en- 
gaged in the grocery business in which he continued for 
many years. In politics he was a Republican, and was 
elected to the office of Justice of the Peace, and was one of 
the clerks of the State Senate for five years. Socially he 
was a member of the Masonic fraternity, K. of P., 
American Mechanics and the G. A. R. He was a trustee 
of the Matteawan Savings Bank, and greatly interested 

440 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

in the welfare of local institutions of his adopted village. 
His wife Mrs. Whitson was superintendent of Highland 
Hospital for twenty-seven years, succeeding his mother 
Mrs. John Whitson who was in charge of the hospital 
over seven years. 

WILLIAM BROWN (deceased) a former president of 
the village of Matteawan, was born in Wappingers Falls, 
N. Y., in 1845, a son of James and Elizabeth (Wheeler) 
Brown. When he was twelve years of age his parents 
removed to Glenham, where he remained fourteen years. 

From 1872 to 1875 Mr. Brown was associated with 
Benjamin T. Sullivan in the shoe business at Matteawan, 
and a year later he embarked in the clothing business in 
which he continued to the time of his death. Mr. Brown 
was greatly interested in the development and progress of 
Matteawan, and his courage in building up the business 
portion of the village was most praiseworthy. In 18&4 
he purchased a part of the David Davis property, sub- 
sequently erecting nine stores. His progress in real es- 
tate was rapid, and he became one of the largest property 
owners in the village, having thirteen stores on Main 
Street, in addition to a row of four brick dwellings on 
South Street. 

Politically Mr. Brown was a Republican, and during 
his incumbency of village president many improvements 
were effected. He was honored by various positions of 
trust including that of trustee of the Mechanics Savings 
Bank of which he became vice-president. He was a 
member of the board of directors of the Matteawan 
National Bank and had served as village trustee and a 
member of the school board. In March, 1906, he was 
chosen foreman of the Grand Jury of Dutchess County. 
In religious affiliations Mr. Brown was a member of ihe 

441 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Presbyterian Church; president of the Men's League, 
and for many years superintendent of the Sunday School. 
His life was one of activity and usefulness to his fellow- 
men. 

Mr. Brown wielded a facile pen and was a frequent 
contributor to the local press* An article published in 
1905, entitled the "Palmy Days of Glenham" in which he 
reviews in detail events in that village of a half century 
ago will be of value to future historians. 

July 12, 1876, Mr. Brown was united in marriage with 
Mary E. daughter of James and Sarah (Hoffman) Kain. 
One daughter Edith was born who died at the age of 
thirteen. 

AUGUSTUS W. MO WATT (deceased), a prominent 
citizen of Fishkill-on-Hudson, N. Y., was born in that 
village in the old Mo watt homestead. He was a son of 
James Mo watt and one of a family of nine children. His 
father was a millwright, and Augustus W., early in life 
took up this occupation. He later learned the carpenter's 
trade, and was regarded as a painstaking and careful 
workman, erecting many homes in Fishkill Landing and 
Matteawan. He was a staunch Republican, and held 
for a time the office of Street Commissioner. He was a 
trustee for many years of the Methodist Church, and 
gave liberally to the support of this society. 

In 1861 Mr. Mowatt responded to the President's call 
for arms, enlisting in Company C, 18th New York Regi- 
ment, he was sergeant of this company and par- 
ticipated in the battles of Bull Run, Bailey Cross 
Roads, Fair Oaks and Fredericksburg. He received 
his discharge May 24, 1863. He was a member 
of Howland Post of the G. A. R. 

442 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

In 1866 Mr. Mo watt was united in marriage with 
Amanda J. Saunders, who survives. 

WILLIAM C. WARWICK (deceased) a representa- 
tive citizen of Matteawan, N. Y., was born in County 
Antrim, Ireland, October 11, 1838, and died at Mattea- 
wan, November 27, 1911. He was a son of Arthur and 
Agnes Warwick and came to America when a boy. He 
learned the mason's trade in Matteawan, and became a 
prominent contractor and builder, erecting many sub- 
stantial homes in his adopted village. He built the 
public school at Highland Falls, Orange County, and 
assisted in the erection of the Matteawan High School. 

Mr. Warwick was a devoted member of the Presby- 
terian Church, serving as elder and trustee. His entire 
life was one of industry and usefulness. He was twice 
married. By his first wife Sarah Caldwell he had five 
children, of whom two sons are living, Arden and David 
D. Warwick. In 1887 Mr. Warwick married, secondly, 
Jane, daughter of John Campbell, and they became the 
parents of a daughter, Jessie Lozier. 

SMITH HEROY widely known throughout Dutchess 
County by reason of many years of public service at 
Poughkeepsie, was born in the town of Fishkill May 4, 
1843. Early in life he accepted a position as clerk in the 
Poughkeepsie Post Office under George V. Pelton, where 
he remained fourteen years. He then became local 
representative of the Mutual Life Insurance Co., and 
while thus engaged was appointed Clerk of the County 
Board of Supervisors, holding this appointment ten years. 
From 1878 to 1884 he served as Clerk of the Board of 
Water Commissioners, when he resigned to become Clerk 
of the Surrogate's Court, holding this position seven 
years. 

443 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Mr. Heroy is a son of Melancton and Matilda (Hazel- 
ton) Heroy of the town of Carmel, Putnam County. He 
married in 1874, Annie E. Jones, daughter of Abraham 
Jones of Poughkeepsie. 

FRANK WHITEHEAD WHEELER, carpenter, cab- 
inet-maker, and dealer in antique furniture, of Mattea- 
wan, N. Y., was born at Erie, Pa., in 1849. He is a son of 
Henry E. and Mary Elizabeth (Sherman) Wheeler; and 
a grandson of George H. Wheeler. Both George H. and 
Henry E. Wheeler were born also in Erie, Pa., the family 
being one of the oldest of that city. Henry E. Wheeler 
was also a carpenter. Mrs. Wheeler was a daughter of 
Michael Sherman and Hannah (Merritt) Sherman, both 
her father's and mother's ancestors being old Dutchess 
County families. 

Frank W. Wheeler was educated at Moore's Mills, in 
the public schools until he was about fourteen years old. 
He then learned the carpenter and cabinet-maker's trade 
and was a journeyman until he established himself in 
business in Poughkeepsie in 1907, removing to Mattea- 
wan in 1909. 

In 1876, Frank W. Wheeler was married to Onalova T. 
Bright who was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., the daugh- 
ter of John Bright who was born and raised in Canada 
and of English descent, and of Eleanor (Sinsabaugh), 
Bright, who was the daughter of Marcus Sinsabaugh. 

Frank W. and Onalova Wheeler were the parents of 
thirteen children, of whom seven are dead. The six who 
are living in 1912, are: Charles, who married Susan, 
daughter of Charles Tompkins ; Aaron married Sarah, 
daughter of George Hadfield; Bert married Anna Bump; 
Edith married Charles F. Bloomer; Alva married Albert 
Townsend; and Onalova, single. 

444 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

Mr. Wheeler is a Republican in politics, and a member 
of the Episcopal Church. He is a member of the Odd 
Fellows; the Junior Order of American Workmen; and 
of the Patriotic Sons of America. 

JOSHUA LOUNSBUR Y DEAN of the town of Carmel, 
Putnam County, N. Y., is a prominent representative of 
an old family in this part of the State. His grandfather 
Richard Dean was born at Lake Mahopac, September 10, 
1771; and died May 23, 1869. He married August #7, 
1794, Alethea Austin by whom he had twelve children: 
Anna, John, Mary, Robert, Smith A., Stephen, Adah, 
Ira W., Amzi L., Cornelius, Lewis A. and William A. 

Amzi L. Dean, father of the subject of this review, 
became one of the leading men of Putnam County. He 
was appointed executor of many estates and acted as 
trustee and guardian in several cases. In 1836 he was a 
partner with Isaac Lounsbury in the Old Red Mills, and 
the two were associated in the mercantile business at 
Mahopac Falls for many hears. He afterward engaged 
in farming at the estate known as the Cyrus J. Seeley 
farm, Mr. Dean exchanging this property for a farm where 
the Dean House at Lake Mahopac now stands. As 
noted elsewhere in this work Mr. Dean conducted the 
Dean House until October 15, 1872, when he sold it to his 
sons Joshua L. and Adrian H. 

Politically Mr. Dean was a Democrat and held many 
public offices. In 1837 he was elected Inspector of State 
prisons, and about the same time was chosen Supervisor 
for the town of Carmel, a position he again held in 1854. 
He served as Clerk of the Putnam County Board of 
Supervisors for eighteen years, and compiled and issued 
the first copy of their proceedings. At one time he was 

445 



Biographical and Genealogical 

County Commissioner. He died in 1876. His wife 
who was Catherine Lounsbury died in 1895. 

Joshua L. Dean was born December 7, 1839, at 
Mahopac Falls in the "White House" in which Major 
Andre is said to have been held a prisoner. He graduated 
in 1857 from the Raymond Institute for Boys at Carmel. 
He assisted in the management of the Dean House until 
the retirement of his father in 1872, when he purchased 
the property and became associated with his brother 
Adrian H., the firm being known as J. L. and A. H. Dean. 
In 1880 Joshua L. sold his interest to his brother, and has 
since lived in comparative retirement from business. 

Politically Mr. Dean is a Democrat and his influence is 
widely recognized. From 1868 to 1870 he was Commis- 
sioner of the U. S. Deposit Fund for Putnam County, and 
heljd the office of Supervisor for six years, having prev- 
iously served as Clerk of the Board. From 1888 to 1892 
he was Justice of the Peace. He was also chosen presi- 
dent of the Putnam County Agricultural Society. He 
is a member of the Blue Lodge and Chapter of the 
Masonic Fraternity. 

L. W. JAYCOX of the town of Philipstown, Putnam 
County, son of William O. and Catherine (LaForge) 
Jaycox, is a descendant on both the paternal and maternal 
sides from very old families in this section of the State. 
As will be found elsewhere in this work, Joseph Jaycox was 
a resident of the South Precinct, Dutchess County (now 
a part of Putnam County) previous to 1744. In the 
highway records of that year, we find that his house was 
a well-known landmark. Joseph Jaycox came from the 
borderland of Switzerland and France. His sons Isaiah 
and David are the progenitors of the numerous Jaycox 
families in this section. 

446 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 

The LaForge family as the name indicates were of 
French origin, and the ancestor of this family was an 
early settler in Philipstown. 

L. W. Jaycox has been prominent in business and 
public life in Philipstown for many years, and has held 
the office of Assessor, Coroner and town Supervisor. He 
is a member of the Masonic fraternity and a charter mem- 
ber of the local lodge of Odd Fellows. He married 
December 5, 1878, Emma daughter of Isaac and Nancy 
Warren. 

HON. WILLIAM WOOD (deceased), one of the most 
prominent citizens of Putnam County, rose by his own 
unaided efforts from comparative obscurity to high posi- 
tions of trust and usefulness in his adopted county. He 
was born in County Down, Belfast, Ireland, August 6, 
1842, a son of Robert and Jane (Thompson) Wood. His 
parents came to America in 1847, and settled at Cold 
Spring, N. Y., where William obtained his early educa- 
tion. He then learned the trade of iron moulder in the 
West Point Foundry, thus continuing until he reached 
his thirtieth year, when he availed himself of an oppor- 
tunity to read law in the office of Samuel Owen, Esq., 
at that time District Attorney. Upon completing his 
term as a law student he was admitted to the Bar in 1876, 
and in November of the same year was elected District 
Attorney, and twice re-elected. In 1883 he was elected 
County Judge, and again twice re-elected, holding this 
office eighteen years. 

Judge Wood was a life-long member of the Republican 
party and his influence was widely recognized. As a 
political speaker he had few superiors and was frequently 
engaged in presidential campaigns to deliver addresses in 
various parts of the country. 

447 



Biographical and Genealogical 

By his death in 1911 the village of Cold Spring and the 
County of Putnam lost a sterling citizen who enjoyed the 
respect and confidence of everyone. He long held high 
rank among the Masonic fraternity being a member of 
the Lodge, Chapter and Commandery. 

Judge Wood married in 1875, Ellen, daughter of John 
and Sarah Groundwater. Three children were born: 
Ellen C, Robert T., and Emily R. 

E. S. WHITNEY, president and general manager of 
the Mount Beacon Hotel Co., Fishkill-on-the-Hudson, 
N. Y., was born at Gorham, Maine, February 2, 1852, a 
son of Robie and Mary J. (Hall) Whitney. 

Through the enterprise of Mr. Whitney, who is a resi- 
dent of Manchester, N. H., the beautiful and historic 
mountain in the town of Fishkill has become the most 
popular health and pleasure resort in the Hudson River 
Valley. 

The summit of the mountain is reached by the Mt. 
Beacon Incline Railway, which runs to the top of the 
west spur of North Beacon, 1200 feet above the Hudson 
River. On the Eastern crest stands a monument erected 
by the Daughters of the American Revolution in commem- 
oration of the burning of beacon fires during the occupa- 
tion of New York by the British, to notify Washington 
and his officers of the movement of the enemy. The 
incline railway has been in successful operation since 
May, 1902. The Casino at the top of the mountain has 
spacious balconies on all sides, a roof observatory supplied 
with powerful telescopes and search-light. Adjoining 
the Casino is "Beaconcrest," a modern hotel with ac- 
commodations for one hundred guests. 

HUGH HAMBLEY (deceased), for several years a 
resident of the town of Philipstown, Putnam County, was 

448 



Dutchess and P utnam Counties 

a native of Cornwall, England, and came to America in 
1866. He was a pattern-maker by trade serving his 
apprenticeship with his uncle who owned a foundry at 
Cornwall. For a time he was employed in New York 
with the American Bank Note Co., and on his removal to 
Cold Spring, N. Y., entered the employ of the West 
Point Foundry Co. 

Mr. Hambley married Eizabeth, daughter of Lewis 
and Abigail E. (Gore) Birdsall. Lewis Birdsall was a 
railroad contractor and a son of Seymour Birdsall who 
kept the first post office at Cold Spring. * 

The Gore ancestry is traced to John Gore, who came 
from Waltham Abbey, Essex County, England, to Rox- 
bury, Mass., in 1636. He was made a freeman in 1637, 
and in 1638 was a member of the Artillery Co. He owned 
in 1643 about 188 acres of land in Massachusetts. He 
was town clerk many years and the records of Roxbury 
now in the City Hall of Boston, are in his handwriting 
and that of his son, John who succeeded him. He died 
in Roxbury, June 2, 1657. His son John was born May 
23, 1634, in England and died at Roxbury Mass., June 
26, 1705. He married May 31, 1683, Sarah Gardner. 
Several members of the Gore family were slain in the 
Wyoming Massacre, and their names appear on a monu- 
ment at Wilkes Barre, Penn., erected to perpetuate the 
heroism of those killed in that battle. 

JOHN REED YALE. The American ancestry of 
John R. Yale of Brewster, N. Y. is traced to Thomas 
Yale who was born at Chester, England, in 1616, and 
died at New Haven, Conn., March 27, 1683. Thomas 
Yale was a son of Thomas and a grandson of Dr. David 
Yale, Chancellor of Chester, and who lived at Plas 
Grono, the family estate near Wrexham, Wales. 

449 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Thomas Yale came to America in 1637, with his father- 
in-law, Gov. Eaton and others. He settled at New 
Haven and became one of the principal men in the 
Colony. He was the uncle of Gov. Elihu Yale, the 
founder of Yale University. Thomas Yale married in 
1645 Mary, daughter of Capt. Nathaniel Turner of New 
Haven. Three sons and four daughters were born, of 
whom Thomas, the second in order of birth, continues 
this line. 

Thomas 2 (Thomas 1 ) born in New Haven 1647. He was 
active in the settlement of Wallingford, Conn., to which 
place he removed in 1670, and where he died in 1736. 
He married 1667 Rebecca, daughter of William Gibbards 
of New Haven. Issue: four sons and four daughters. 

Thomas 3 (Thomas, 2 Thomas 1 ) born in Wallingford, 
1678, married Mary, daughter of Joseph Benham, 1705. 
They settled in what is now Meriden, Conn. He was 
one of the 54 persons who constituted the Congregational 
Church at Meriden. He died in 1750. Of his three 
sons and six daughters, Benjamin, the fourth in order of 
birth, continues the line. 

Benjamin (Thomas 3 , Thomas, 2 Thomas 1 ) born Feb. 4, 
1714, at Wallingford. He was a farmer and lived at 
Cheshire and Wolcott, Conn., and late in life at Patter- 
son, N. Y., where he died in 1781. He married in 1737 
Ruth Ives of North Haven. Eight sons and two daugh- 
ters were born. Stephen (Benjamin, 4 Thomas 3 , Thom- 
as, 2 Thomas 1 ) was born at Meriden, June 6, 1749. He 
married Olive Clark of Southington, Conn., in 1774, and 
a few years later they removed to Patterson, N. Y. His 
wife died in 1811, and he died in 1818. Children, six 
sons and three daughters. 

Stephen (Stephen, 5 Benjamin, 4 Thomas, 3 Thomas, 2 

450 



Putnam and Dutchess Counties 

Thomas 1 ) born at Patterson, N. Y., 1787. He married 
Susan Palmer of the same town in 1809. He was a 
farmer and resided at Fishkill Landing where his chil- 
dren, four sons and four daughters, were born. He died 
Dec. 9, 1870. 

Belden (Stephen, 6 Stephen, 5 Benjamin, 4 Thomas 3 ' 
Thomas, 2 Thomas, 1 ) was born at Fishkill November 
26, 1821. He was a farmer in the town of Patterson, 
and in later years resided at Brewster, N. Y. He mar- 
ried in 1853 Margaret Glennen, and the following 
children were born: John Reed, born 1855, Ellis, born 
1858, Mary J., born 1861. 

John Reed Yale who represents the county of Putnam 
in the State Assembly for the eleventh consecutive term, 
was educated in the schools of his native town of Patter- 
son. He has been engaged in various business enter- 
prises, and prior to his election to the Assembly, was 
employed for ten years by the city of New York as a real 
estate expert in condemnation proceedings, and later as 
one of the Commissioners of Appraisal in the same pro- 
ceedings. As a member of the contracting firm of 
Ryan & Yale, he has been extensively engaged in the 
construction of State roads and other public works. The 
present water supply of the village of Brewster which was 
developed and established by Mr. Yale, was acquired 
by purchase from him in 1909. 

Always a Republican, Mr. Yale was elected member 
of Assembly in 1901, and has been continously re-elected 
by substantial majorities. In 1904 he was chosen a 
delegate to the National Convention which nominated 
Theodore Roosevelt for President. He is a member of 
the Masonic fraternity, the Odd Fellows, Elks, and the 
Republican Club of New York. 

451 



Biographical and Genealogical 

In 1880 Mr. Yale married Miss Alice Penny, a native 
of Towners, N. Y., and the following children were born: 
Beatrice M., Anna M., Daisy I., Edna A. (deceased), 
Florence L. 

THE HAIGHT FAMILY both numerically and by 
virtue of their ability and energy have for many years 
occupied a prominent place in the annals of the central 
Hudson River Valley. 

The family descend from Baron Johannes Von Haight 
who went from Normandy to Britain in the thirteenth 
century, and the American branch trace their ancestry 
to that sterling Puritan, Simon Haight who was born in 
Dorsetshire, England, in 1595, and sailed for America 
October 6, 1628 on the vessel "Abigail," with Col. John 
Endicott who was afterward appointed Governor of the 
Massachusetts colony. In colonial records the name is 
spelled variously Haight, Hait, Hoyt and Hoit. 

Simon Haight brought with him to America his wife 
and son, John, and two other children who probably died 
in infancy as no further record of them can be found. 
The family settled first at Salem, Mass., and a few years 
later removed to Stamford, Conn., where Simon Haight 
died Sept. 1, 1657. Several of his descendants live in 
this section of Connecticut and for many generations 
have spelled the name "Hoyt." 

John Haight (or Hoit), eldest son of Simon was born 
at Dorsetshire, England in 1614, and died at Rye, West- 
chester County, N. Y., Sept. 1, 1684. He was in his 
fourteenth year when he accompanied his father to 
America. He lived for some years in Fairfield County, 
Conn., and in 1665, removed with his family to West- 
chester County, N. Y., purchasing a large strip of land 
from Thomas Pell, whose name is perpetuated in the 

452 



Putnam and Dutchess Counties 

naming of the town of Pelham in Westchester County. 
John Haight married Mary, daughter of John Budd, and 
their children were: Samuel, Mary. Rachel, John and 
Simon. 

John Haight, fourth child of John and Mary Haight, 
was born at East Chester, N. Y., in 1665. He took an 
active part in public affairs in Westchester County and 
in 1696 was chosen town clerk of Rye, N. Y. He 
served as constable in 1702, and as Supervisor in 1711. 
He was elected member of Assembly in 1712, and re- 
elected in the years '13, '14 and '15. He subsequently 
was re-elected town Supervisor, and in 1719 was chosen 
church warden of Grace church at Rye, N. Y. In 1721 
he obtained from King George II Royal Letters of Patent 
to the Charter of White Plains. He married Elizabeth 
Purdy, daughter of Daniel Purdy, who also had received 
letters patent to some 1500 acres of land in Westchester 
County. 

Eight children were born to John and Elizabeth Haight 
namely: John, Samuel, Jonathan, Joseph, Daniel, Eliza- 
beth, Eunice and Mary. 

Daniel Haight, fifth child of John and Elizabeth Haight 
was born at Rye, N. Y., in 1688, and died at Yorktown, 
N. Y., in 1772. He purchased in 1748 a tract of land on 
the water lot of the Philips patent in what was at that 
time a part of Dutchess County. He married in 1718 
Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Norton and had nine 
children as follows: Joseph, James, William, Daniel, 
Jonathan, Rachel, Jemimah, Elizabeth and Charity. 

Joseph Haight, the eldest son, who continues this line 
was born at Yorktown, Westchester County in 1719, and 
died at Philipstown, in what is now Putnam County, 
N. Y., July 30, 1776. He removed from Rye, N. Y., to 

453 



Biographical and Genealogical 

Philipstown in 1751, where he occupied a strip of land 
given to him by his father in 1750. He was a carpenter 
by trade and built the first frame house on the east side 
of Clove Creek, obtaining all the lumber from his farm. 
He married Hannah daughter of John Wright of York- 
town, N. Y., by whom he had the following children: 
Mary, John (afterwards Captain), Joseph, Sylvanus, 
Stephen, William, Daniel, Beverly (b. 1763, married 
Charity daughter of Joseph and Sarah [Larrabee] Hustis, 
and had issue: Elizabeth, Joseph, Joshua, Mary, David, 
Esther, Beverly and John) Hannah, Phebe who married 
Col. Zebrilou Butler, Esther and Martha (twins). 

Captain John Haight second child of Joseph, was 
born at Rye, N. Y., Aug. 18, 1743, and was married in the 
old Beverly House at Garrison, N. Y., March 20, 1770, 
to Merriam, daughter of Cornelius Swim of Highland 
Falls, Orange County. 

John Haight became Captain of the Seventh Regi- 
ment, known as Col. Henry Luddington's Regiment, and 
served throughout the Revolutionary War. In 1807 and 
1808 he was a member of Assembly from Dutchess 
County, and in 1820 he served as Judge of the Court of 
Common Pleas in Putnam County. For over forty 
years he was ruling elder of the Presbyterian Church at 
Brinckerhoff, N. Y. He died at the old Haight home- 
stead in Philipstown, July 15, 1836, in his ninety-third 
year. 

His children were: James, Joseph I., Cornelius I. who 
married Hannah Burroughs, Sylvanus, Henry, Mary, 
Stepehn, Jacob I., Hannah, and Miriam. 



454 



Dutchess and Putnam Counties 
THE BUDD FAMILY 

UNDERHILL BUDD. Among the notable family his- 
tories in this country to-day is that of the Budd family. 
American genealogical records present few subjects whose 
descendants have been more replete with achievement 
and honor. No man has greater reason for pride in his 
ancestry than has Underhill Budd, the main subject of 
this sketch. Thus it is that in the collection of this 
data the biographer finds a vast wealth of material. 

Mr. Budd traces his ancestry back to an old English 
family of note. He belongs to the seventh generation 
in the direct male line from his first American ancestor 
John Budd — 1632. He descends from old colonial and 
Knickerbocker stock, many of which were active par- 
ticipants in the war of the Revolution; also from the 
Patroon stock. Numbered in his immediate branch of 
the family in Dutchess county, are those who have won 
fame in the civic affairs of the State and Nation ; such as 
State Governor, Congressmen, Supreme Court Judges, 
Assemblymen, Senators, etc. 

Underhill Budd is the seventh son of Elijah Budd, a 
leading Dutchess county farmer of his day. His father 
was born 1781 on the day that Lord Cornwallis surren- 
dered his army to Gen. Washington at Yorktown, at the 
close of the Revolution. Elijah's father, Gilbert Budd, 
came from Westchester county, N. Y., and settled in the 
Highlands north of Cold Spring. Later he purchased a 
farm west of Fishkill Village, on the old Post road. This, 
was afterward known as the "Old Budd Homestead". 
It is now owned by Frederick Haight. Here Elijah was 
born. This house was built by Daniel Budd in 1750. 
He was the second cousin of Gilbert Budd, the grand- 

455 



Biographical and Genealogical 

father of Underhill Budd. The old house was burned in 
1898, and the ruins were removed by the present owner. 
In this old structure were port-holes for use in the de- 
fense against the hostile Indians, who abounded in the 
region at that time. The place was used also as a relay | 
stage station where the horses were changed on the route 
between New York and Albany. This homestead was 
also honored by the presence of General Washington and 
Governor Clinton. Elijah Budd talked with Governor 
Clinton as he passed by on horseback en route to the 
Capital at Albany. Upon the death of his father he , 
came into possession of the farm. In 1806 he married , 
Abigail Sebring, daughter of Isaac Sebring, an extensive j 
and prosperous farmer of that region. Mr. Sebring 
married Catharine Van Benschoten, a daughter of Tunis 
Van Benschoten of New Hackensack, Dutchess county. 
He o>d in his 81st year, and his wife, Annie Sleight in 
her 91st year. Mr. and Mrs. Sebring died in their 78th 
and 77th year, respectively. Elijah Budd afterward 
sold the old homestead and bought a farm of John 
Brinckerhoff, on the Hudson at Low Point, now known 
as Chelsea, where he moved in 1822. On this farm 
Underhill Budd was born August 3, 1823. This home- 
stead was known as Mount Washington. 

On October 12, 1852, at the age of 29, Mr. Budd mar- 
ried Miss Emily J. Snooke, a daughter of Matthew I. 
Snooke, whose ancestors went out of Holland into Well- 
ington, England with William the Conqueror in 1060. 

She is a daughter of the American Revolution, her 
grandfather on her father's side fought through the war 
under General Washington. Mrs. Budd has his flint- 
lock musket and a horn cup which he carried through 
the war. Her great-grandfather on her mother's side 

456 



Dutches s and Putnam Co unties 

was captain of the second Dutchess County militia. 
She also has the old musket that he carried through the 
war. This Snooke family is still prominent in the States of 
Ohio and California. Mr. Budd's great-grandfather was 
also named Underhill Budd, and he was born in West- 
chester county in 1708, and lived to be 47 years old. 
He was the son of Joseph, grandson of Joseph, and the 
great-grandson of John Budd the first. 

Soon after his marriage, Mr. Budd moved to the State 
of Illinois, where he took charge of the extensive estate 
of a deceased brother for the next three years. Having 
joined the Methodist church at the early age of sixteen, 
he was now licensed as a local preacher in the State of 
Illinois and became associated with the regular Confer- 
ence ministry there in church work. His services 
were freely given for the cause of Christianity and with- 
out any compensation whatsoever. 

After his three years' sojourn in Illinois he returned to 
the farm of his father in Dutchess county, where his elder 
brothers having left home, he felt it his duty to take 
charge for the next fifteen years. In 1886 his mother 
died at the ripe age of 81. His father survived her only 
three years, dying in his ninetieth year. He then re- 
mained on this farm six years, settled up the estate, and 
in 1875 he removed to the farm of his father-in-law, who 
had just died in his eightieth year. Here Mr. Under- 
hill Budd still lives at this writing, in the full enjoyment 
of health, crowned with honor, prosperity and respect. 
Although in his ninetieth year, he is strong and active 
both in mind and body. This he attributes to his careful 
and abstemious habits of life, never having used tobacco 
or spirituous liquors in any form. He has two sons, 
Prof. I. S. Budd, a graduate of the New England Con- 

457 



Biographical and Genealogical 

servatory of Music at Boston, and Matthew V. B. Budd, 
whose time is fully occupied in looking after the exten- 
sive real estate interests of the family. 

Here upon these fair and fertile acres of rolling table- 
land on the east bank of the Hudson, just before the 
noble stream breaks through the grand and lofty High- 
lands of rock and scanty verdure, the ancestors and de- 
scendants of the Budd family have lived in peace and 
prosperity ever since the white man first invaded the 
region. For 200 years and more the locality has been 
regarded mainly as an English region. Though Robert 
Livingston induced many Dutch and Huguenot crafts- 
men and farm laborers to settle upon his vast estate 
farther toward the north, the Manor grant for which was ; 
dated 1686. Many of these American families boast 
homes here which are older than the Republic itself. 
And in many cases the names of the ancient owners may 
still be found among the proprietors of today. Young- 
sters toddle down to the same old pew in the little church 
where their grand-sires, who now sleep in the little coun- 
try church yards, worshiped. 

ENGLISH HISTORY OF THE BUDD FAMILY 

The ancient history and career of the Budd family in , 
England is fraught with much interest and well deserves 
mention in this biography. Baron Gene Budd was a 
great soldier and a commanding officer under Charles 
the Great, who established the Empire. He received , 
from him a large tract of land on the coast of Normandy. 
Here he ruled like a Freeman. He and his descendants \ 
were in many important battles. They became known 
as Frenchmen when the Normans invaded that part of 
France. In these conflicts many were overcome and 

458 



Dutches s and P utnam Counties 

slain, and few survived. Their lands were confiscated 
by their conquerors, and they became widely scattered. 
But William Budd remained, working on the seashore 
at a place called Rye. Their sons and grandsons were 
afterward allowed to keep their land, and they became 
soldiers. Here it was that William the Great came when 
his Barons sought to slay him. But Richard Budd 
gathered his men and protected him until the Duke, 
through his assistance, was able to check the insurgent 
and bring about a better understanding. During the 
Norman conquest three sons of William Budd crossed 
over to England where it is thought they named the town 
of Rye, county of Sussex. The father of Richard Budd 
however, returned to Normandy where he afterward in- 
herited his father's feudal rights. 

Richard Budd was rewarded for his services in saving 
the life of the Duke, by increased land possessions. These 
were afterward inherited by his son John. And at the 
death of Edward of England, he was the first to muster 
his knights and soldiers in defense of the claim of William 
of Normandy to the throne of England. They landed 
at Rye for the great battle, where it is said the superior 
valor of Richard Budd won the victory over the Saxons 
and placed William the Great on the English throne. 

John Budd afterward married a sister of William the 
Great, and became the Earl of Sussex. He and his de- 
scendants built the town of Rye, which however was 
burned, with all its records, during the subsequent wars. 
They held various positions in the army, and married in- 
to the families of the Nevils, Brownes and Montagues. 
But many of them were slain during the wars of the Red 
and White Roses. Some of their cousins, including 
the brave Earl and Lord Montague, fell at Barnet with 

459 



Biographical and Genealogical 

i 

axe and sword in hand, after piling heaps of slain around 
them. Upon the accession of Edward the fourth to the 
English throne these surviving descendants found no 
favor at court, and many of their large estates were con- I 
fiscated. 

In 1632 John Budd fled to America in search of freedom. 
He settled in Rye, Westchester county, N. Y. Joseph 
Budd came over the same year. Seven years later they 
were among the first planters in New Haven, Conn. 
John Budd moved to Southold, L. I., and next to Rye, 
N. Y., in 1661. In 1663 he was deputy from Rye to the 
General Court of Connecticut. He purchased lands 
from the native Indian chiefs Chem, Shamrocke, and 
other chiefs and was the first proprietor of Apawaquamus 
afterward known as "Budd's Neck". This original con- 
veyance is recorded in Westchester county, bearing date 
of November 8, 1661. This grant of land was so ex- 
tensive that the neighboring proprietors of Rye became 
envious of him, and they petitioned the General Court 
at Hartford not to confirm it. But Mr. Budd's influence, 
prevailed and his title remained intact. At his death 
his son John became heir to the mills on Blind Brook, 
and his brother Joseph received all of Budd's Neck. 
Through influence with the Crown, Joseph obtained a 
patent of land dated Feb. 20, 1695. But this claim was 
refused by the Courts because of certain defects in the 
boundary line between New York and Connecticut. 
And it was not until twenty-five years later that the title 
was finally confirmed under the Great Seal of the Prov- 
ince of New York. These Patentees then gave to the 
Governor, on the fast day of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 
one pound and nineteen shillings annual rental for this 
land. This was during the reign of King George I. 

460 



Dutchess and P utnam Counties 

Lieutenant John Budd married Catherine Browne, a 
descendant of Sir Anthony Browne the founder of the 
Montague family and Henry V. of England. They had 
four children, John, Joseph, Judith and Jane Budd, 
their initials being confined to this letter of the alphabet. 
The father died in 1670. Joseph Budd, second, son of 
John Budd, first, was known as Captain Budd, in 1700 
and he soon became prominent. He became a Justice 
of the Peace, and served in that capacity almost contin- 
uously from 1710 until his death in 1722. He secured a 
Patent for the Budd's Neck tract of his father in 1720. 
He left four sons, John, Joseph, Elijah and Underhill. 
The name of John Budd appears frequently in the re- 
cords of Rye between 1720 and 1745. He inherited the 
Budd's Neck estate which he sold to Peter Jay in 1745. 

Gilbert Budd, the grandfather of Underhill Budd, the 
main subject of this sketch, married Deborah Searles, 
who was born June 14, 1738. The issue of this marriage, 
were Underhill, Seeley, Elijah (I), Mary P., William, 
Gilbert (I), John, Gilbert (II), and Elijah (II). Elijah 
Budd, the father of Underhill, married Abigail Sebring. 
Their children were Issac S., who died in his 74th year, 
Van Benschoten, who died in his 84th year, John J., 
Jacob, who died in his 85th year, Tunis G., Matthew, 
Margaret, who died in her 78th year, Maria M., who 
died in her 76th year; Underhill, Amelia A., and Ed- 
ward. Elijah Budd, the father, died in his 90th 
year, and the mother in her 81st year. 

PROMINENT MEMBERS OF THE BUDD 
FAMILY IN AMERICA 

Few of our older families in this country today have 
an ancestral record, which includes so many men who 

461 



Biographical and Genealogical 

have achieved prominence in public life as has this Budd 
family. James Budd was a member of the first Colonial 
Assembly in America in 1668. He was drowned in the 
Delaware river at Burlington, N. J., in 1692. William 
Budd Bradford, whose mother was Rachel Budd, was 
Attorney-General of the United States during President 
Washington's second administration. James Herbert 
Budd, who was born at Janesville, Wis., May 18, 1851, 
went to California in early life and graduated from the 
University of California in 1873. He was admitted to 
the Bar and began the practice of law at Stockton, Cali- 
fornia. There he became a trustee of the Stockton Li- 
brary, President of the Police Board, Fire Commissioner, 
and was elected to Congress in 1883. He declined a re- 
nomination to that office and was finally chosen Gover- 
nor of his adopted State in 1895, serving in that capacity 
until 1899. 

Joseph Budd was a Judge of the Superior Court at 
Stockton, California. Oliver H. Budd served two terms 
in the New York State Legislature. William H. Budd, 
served in the New York Legislature and was a successful 
lawyer in New York city. Another William Budd, 
practiced law at Mount Holly, N. J., and became a 
State Senator there. Joseph K. Budd, was a successful 
banker in St. Louis, Mo., and Dr. Henry Budd, was one 
of the leading physicians of Geneva, N. Y. 

Perhaps one of the most eminent and best known mem- 
bers of this remarkable family in this country in recent 
years, was Prof. Joseph Lancaster Budd, who won wide 
celebrity in the realm of Horticulture, both in this and 
foreign lands. He was born in Westchester county, N. 
Y., in 1837, educated in the district schools there and in 
the New York State Normal School. He received the 

462 



Dutches s and P utnam Counties 

degree of M. H., fi mi the Iowa Agricultural College. In 
1857 he had charge of the Boys' Academy at Rockford, 
111. Three years later he bought a farm in Benton coun- 
ty Iowa, where he started the Benton County Nurseries 
and Orchards. In 1872 he was chosen Secretary of the 
State Horticultural Society there, which position he held 
for 23 years. Meanwhile he was elected to the chair of 
Horticulture and Forestry in the State Agricultural 
College. For many years he was the editor of the Iowa 
State Register and Rural Life. He was a member of the 
American Pomological Society for a long series of years, 
and had a very active part in the career of that noted 
society. He was also connected with other kindred 
societies both in this country and Europe. In 1882 he 
visited Russia with Charles Gibb, a noted Pomologist 
of Canada, for the study of native fruits there, and in 
central Asia. And as a result of their labors many new 
and valuable varieties were added to our American lists. 
When the famous Charles Downing died he left his val- 
uable library and all his posthumous papers to Prof. 
Budd, who was his worthy successor in the realm of Po- 
mona. Mr. Budd was the author of the very complete 
and comprehensive Encyclopedia of Horticulture, which 
was published a few years since, and is now a standard 
work. Few men in this country have done as much for 
the cause of Horticulture, and labored so effectively 
for the interests of the fruit growers as Prof. Budd. He 
died at Phoenix, Ariz., Dec. 20, 1904. 

Henry A. Budd, son of Samuel and Mary Hudson 
(Beach) Budd, was born in New York city in 1871. He 
was educated in private schools there and in Paris, and 
married in New York to Julia McClave in 1895. Their 
children were; Hudson, born 1897, and Natalie, born in 

463 



Biographical and Genealogical 

1900. He was employed by the firm of Samuel Budd, 
dealers in men's furnishings, in 1893, became a partner 
in 1895, and later, he succeeded to the full ownership of 
the business, retaining the old firm name however. He 
has traveled in Europe extensively. He is a Republican 
in politics, and Episcopalian in religion, a member of the 
Southampton, L. I., Horse Association, also of the S. A. 
R.; N. Y. Zoological Society; Metropolitan Museum of 
Art, and various athletic and outdoor clubs, including 
the N. Y. Athletic, and the Apawamus Country Club at 
Rye, and at Lakewood, N. J. 

Ogden D. Budd, a New York broker was born in that 
city July 9, 1861. He is a son of Dr. Bern L. Budd, and 
Catherine Fowler (Gallaudet) Budd. He graduated 
from the College of the City of New York, with honorable 
mention for general scholarship, in 1881, married Grace 
A. Jackson, there May 4, 1886, resulting in the following 
issue: Bern, born 1886; Annie McCound Noble, born 
1888; Ogden D. Jr., born 1892; Thomas Gallaudet, born 
1898. Mr. Budd served as clerk in the N. Y. Custom 
House by competitive examination from 1881 to 1883. 
Then he engaged in the mercantile trade for the next two 
years. He afterward joined the Consolidated Stock and 
Petroleum Exchange in 1885, where he has since been en- 
gaged in the commission business. He was elected to the 
Board of Governors of that body in 1900, re-elected in 
1902 and 1904, and finally chosen President in June, 1906. 
In that year he founded the firm of Ogden Budd & Co., 
with Kenneth M. Jackson as partner. In politics he was 
a "Gold Democrat"; in religion, an Episcopalian. He 
is a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon, also of the Alumni 
Association, and he is an associate alumni of the College 
of the City of New York. 

464 



Dutches s and P utnam Counties 

Dr. Gilbert Budd was born in Westchester County, 
N. Y., in 1718, and died Oct. 18, 1805. He was educat- 
ed in Edinburgh, and became a surgeon in the British 
Navy, where he served for thirty years. The following 
lines, written by Jane Barker, who died in 1754, were de- 
dicated to Dr. Budd, and are carved upon his monument. 

" Whoe'r thou art with silent footsteps tread 
The hollow mould where he reclines his head. 
Let not thoughtless mirth one tear deny. 
But pensive pause where truth and honor lie. 

His gay wit that fond attention drew 
Oft heard delighted by the friendly few; 
The heart that melted at another's grief. 
The hand in secret that bestowed relief 

Perhaps e'en now from yonder realm of day 
To his fond relatives he sends a ray; 
Pleased to behold affections like his own. 
With filial duty raised this votive Stone." 

Another prominent member of the Budd family of re- 
cent years is Henry Budd, a leading lawyer and author, 
who was born in Philadelphia, Nov. 12, 1849. He is a 
son of Henry and Martha (Berg) Budd. He graduated 
from the University of Pennsylvania in 1868. He read 
law in the office of Hon. Peter McCall of that city, at- 
tended the lectures of the law department of the Univer- 
sity from 1886 to 1889, and received the A. M. degree in 
1871. He was married in the Quaker city in 1888, to 
Judith J. Dallet, and was admitted to the Bar July 6, 
1871. He practiced in his native city, where he became 
identified with many important cases, notably the Com- 

465 



Biographical and Genealogical 

monwealth vs. Griest, in which the veto power of the 
Governor of that State preventing the submission of a 
constitutional amendment was denied. Mr. Budd is 
affiliated with many associations including the Phi Beta 
Kappa, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, Philobiblon 
Society, Law Association of Philadelphia, State Bar As- 
sociation, American Bar Association, of which he has 
been Vice-President, Trustee of the General Theological 
Seminary of the Episcopal Church, N. Y., and of Bur- 
lington College, N. J., Director of the Philadelphia Aca- 
demy of Music, President of the Central Com., of Alum- 
ni of the State University, Chancellor of the Ecclesiastical 
Court, Diocese of Pennsylvania since 1904. He was 
also one of the founders of the University Club of that 
State. He is the author of four volumes entitled "Lead- 
ing Cases on the American Law of Real Estate," doing 
nearly all the work of this comprehensive treatise, Judge 
Sharswood, his associate, having died before the second 
volume was submitted. Among his other literary works 
are the St. Mary's Hall Lectures, 1898 to 1904, and vol- 
ume I of the American and English Leading Cases in 
Equity, edited in 1905. He was also a frequent contrib- 
utor to the Law Reviews. 

MEMBERS OF THE BUDD FAMILY IN 

U. S. NAVY 1775 to 1900 

Lieutenant Samuel Budd served in the U. S. Navy 
from 1775 to 1777. Charles A. Budd, becoming a mid- 
shipman Nov. 22, 1805, was promoted to a Lieutenant 
June 18, 1814, and died March 15, 1827. George Budd 
began his naval career on the same date, received his 
Lieutenant's commission May 22, 1812, became Com- 
mander March 28, 1820, and died Sept. 3, 1837. Samuel 

466 



D utches s and Putnam C ounties 

P. Budd was third Assistant Engineer from Sept. 8, 1863, 
until his resignation Aug. 10, 1867. Thomas A. Budd 
began as a midshipman Feb. 2, 1829, was promoted, 
Sept. 8, 1841, and resigned Apr. 29, 1853. But he en- 
listed in the Civil War as a Lieutenant May 13, 1861, and 
he was killed in action March 22, of the following year. 
William Budd became Acting Master May 17, 1861, 
acted as volunteer Lieutenant May 9, 1862, became Com- 
mander Nov. 5, 1864, and was honorably discharged Jan. 
6. 1866. 

SERVICES OF THE BUDD FAMILY IN THE 
U. S. ARMY 1815 to 1900 

George W. Budd was First Sergeant in Company G 
of the Second Iowa Cavalry regiment in August 30, 1861, 
was promoted to a second Lieutenantcy June 1, 1862, 
became Captain Feb. 7, 1865, and was mustered out 
Sept. 19 of that year. He re-enlisted as second Lieut, in 
the 9th Cavalry Aug. 17, 1867, was promoted to First 
Lieut. April 20, 1872, and he finally retired June 28, 1878. 
He was born in New York, and appointed from there. 
Otto W. Budd was a second Lieut, in the Fourth Caval- 
ry, Dec. 8, 1868, promoted to First Lieut. Jan. 5, 1874, 
succeeded to Captain Dec. 28, 1882, and was finally re- 
tired for disability April 22, 1891. He was born in 
Pennsylvania and appointed from Maryland. Joseph 
Budd was Second Major of the Second regiment, Bur- 
lington, N. J., June 6, 1797. Conklin Budd was Captain 
of a Paterson Company belonging to the Third Battalion. 

Charles Budd is mentioned as Captain of a Georgia 
Continental Regiment in 1779. John S. Budd, of South 
Carolina served as Captain of the South Carolina Artil- 
lery, July 18, 1778, and was taken prisoner at Charleston 

467 



Biographical and Genealogical 

May 12, 1783. Samuel Budd of North Carolina, was 
First Lieut, of the Second North Carolina Regiment 
Nov. 11, 1777, became Captain two years later, was taken 
prisoner at Charleston May 12, 1780, exchanged July 
1781 and retired Jan. 1, 1783. Thomas Budd, a Surgeon 
on the U. S. Privateer "Randolph", was blown up with 
his vessel while engaging a British gunboat. 

THE BUDD FAMILY IN THE REVOLUTION 

Richard Budd, born in Westchester county, N. Y., in 
1750, fought through the war in the King's American 
army. Being wounded, at the close of the conflict, he 
received a pension from the Birtish government for life, 
and also a large tract of land in Westmoreland, New 
Brunswick, where he settled and raised a family of eight 
daughters and four sons, John, James, Richard and 
Henry. Mr. Budd reached the remarkable age of 109 
years, and died in 1859. He left many descendants in 
Canada and Nova Scotia. Benjamin Budd and Fred- 
erick Budd served in the Revolution in the Fourth Orange 
county Regiment. The latter also served in the "Pawl- 
ing Levies". Daniel Budd was a Sergeant in the First 
Regiment of the Line. Gilbert Budd was Lieut. Colo- 
nel of the Second Regiment, Westchester county Mili- 
tia and served with distinction throughout the Revolu- 
tion. John Budd served in the Fifth Regiment, Dutch- 
ess County Militia, and also in the Fifth Regiment of 
Orange county. Underhill Budd was also, with his 
brother John, in the Dutchess Regiment. William Budd 
was a member of the First Orange county Regiment. Dr 
Daniel Budd was a Surgeon in Albany county in 1789. 
Daniel Budd was a lieutenant in Greene county in 1812. 
"Gil", Budd declined a Lieutenant's commission in 1789, 

468 

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